NAMI BOARD ELECTIONS

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Guide to the 2019

NAMI BOARD ELECTIONS

2019Contact Us

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Contents

Welcome from the Elections Chair 1

Message from the NAMI Board of Directors 3

Voting Information for NAMI Elections 9

Candidate Information 11

Candidate Profiles 13

Welcome from the Elections Chair

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Dear Voters,

Welcome to the 2019 Elections Season. This Elections Season brings many new features that have engaged the board, the nominators and the candidates in new ways with the goal of building the best NAMI ever. As Elections Chair, I ask that you engage in the process with genuine dedication to the best outcome that NAMI deserves!

YOU, as credentialed voters, are critical to the next step of Elections 2019:

I speak for my fellow board members, the twelve nominators and the twelve candidates who have dedicated countless hours to come forward as your 2019 candidates.

We need YOU to make the process work! We need YOU to become informed and engaged:

• Study the 2019 needs the NAMI board has identified and the nominations the board offers;

• Learn about candidates through what candidates and nominators have written;

• Listen to candidates’ speeches online and at the NAMI National Convention if possible, meet them face-to-face in Seattle; and

• Vote, either online starting May 23, 2019 or in-person at the convention starting June 19. Voting closes for everyone on June 20, 2019 at 6:30 p.m. PDT

As NAMI’s name recognition rises, so too do our obligations to address important board leadership needs with the best we can bring together from around the country. The Board took the serious step of Board Self-Assessment in fall 2019 to identify skills and expertise among continuing board members whose terms span 2019–2020. This step helped us to identify skills and expertise needed for the 2019–2020 board year and to highlight specific needs for the consideration of nominators and potential candidates.

Assessing Board strengths, identifying needs and specifically seeking skills and expertise are essential steps for growing the capacity of the NAMI board. Our shared obligation is to commit to Leadership Capacity Building by drawing needed skills to the board.

As a reminder, this commitment led to the changes in the elections process. To recap them for the 2019 Elections Season, those changes are:

• Identifying board needs;

• Presenting a Call for Candidates that specified skills and expertise most needed in 2019;

• Requiring each nominator and each candidate to identify the candidate’s skills and expertise; and

• Providing, for the consideration of voters (i.e., NAMI State Organization and NAMI Affiliate leadership), the board’s recommendations of candidates whose declarations bear strong evidence of skills and expertise most needed in 2019.

The board respects the decision-making and the democratic process of our NAMI voters. The board’s review of candidates simply identifying those that have the experience/expertise we seek to strengthen the board. At the same time, the Board respects the will and wishes of NAMI State Organizations and NAMI Affiliate voters.

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and financial management policies, as well as by making sure NAMI has adequate resources to advance the mission. The Board oversees financial planning, including quarterly reviews of internal financial statements, and ensures that effective internal financial controls are in place and operational through periodic review of the organization’s financial policies.

Revenue growth reflects growth in other areas, as well, including improved systems, infrastructure and technical assistance at the national level to support grassroots operations and program expansion at the local level.

The NAMI Board articulates the vision for this growth and marries that vision to decisions that use the revenue growth to maximize NAMI’s impact. Thus, people with knowledge, skills and experiences who can contribute to continued effective leadership for growth and impact are encouraged to come forward.

Given the critical responsibilities as directors of a large nonprofit organization, serving on the NAMI Board requires understanding the complex legal and fiduciary decisions a board is routinely required to address.

Prior experiences that lend themselves to successful service include the following:

• Prior for-profit or nonprofit board service for other organizations • National-level leadership experience professional or volunteer • Corporate, administrative or managerial-level experience (public

or private) • Service on the board of an effectively-run NAMI State

Organization or NAMI Affiliate

This year, five candidates will be elected to serve three-year terms. Five current board members’ regular terms will expire at the end of June, and their seats will come up for general election. One is completing a second term and cannot seek re-election; four have served a single term and may or may not seek re-election. Additionally, the board seat chosen by the Peer Leadership Advisory Council is up for election this year. The current member in that seat has served a single term, and may or may not seek re-election.

The five candidates who receive the highest number of votes from NAMI credentialed voters will be seated and cordially welcomed to the 2019–2020 board.

Your votes matter! Your time to learn the candidates matters greatly. Please study the qualifications of each candidate and assess the skills each candidate would bring. Five candidates will be the ones you select to serve you and NAMI for the next three years.

We hope that Elections 2019 will bring us the greatest voter participation ever.

Your voice and your vote matter greatly to help NAMI become the best that it can be.

Warmest regards,

Steve Pitman Elections Chair 2019

Message from the NAMI Board of Directors

The NAMI Board of Directors is all-inclusive and seeks highly qualified leaders of all backgrounds and experiences to serve on the national board of directors and represent the interests of NAMI’s broad coalition. The NAMI Board carefully stewards the NAMI mission and its commitment to building better lives for the millions of people affected by mental illness. The NAMI Board will lead the organization through an important period of change and growth in the coming years. Experienced individuals who can help NAMI grow by bringing leadership skills and strategic opportunities to the national board are encouraged to come forward.

NAMI is in a period of growth with revenue increasing annually. The NAMI Board drives and manages revenue growth as a fundamental fiduciary duty. Board members steer the organization towards a sustainable future by adopting sound ethical and legal governance

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What Expertise and Experience Are Needed?NAMI’s core purpose is to create and manage a broad coalition of diverse individuals representing the lived experience of mental illness in order to drive changes in attitudes, policy, services and support for those impacted. NAMI’s commitment to invite and include individuals with a wide array of experience honors the strengths of the NAMI movement.

The NAMI Board undertook a “Strengths Assessment” this year to identify current strengths and the areas of skill and experience most needed in 2019 to assist the board in realizing the vision and growth trajectory of the organization. The assessment revealed the following three areas important to have among candidates seeking board service:

• Diversity of age, race, ethnicity, language, experience and national geography: In order to best serve the widely varying needs of the NAMI movement the board must constantly strive to reflect the diversity of those impacted by mental illness. The NAMI Board specifically seeks people of color as well as people living in states/regions currently under-represented. All other domains of diversity are also welcomed and encouraged. Please review the profiles of the board members continuing into 2019-2020 at https://www.nami.org/board and consider recommending those you know who would bring experience and skills to the board that is not already represented.

• Knowledge of the philanthropic community and track record with donor cultivation: NAMI relies on strong relationships with the philanthropic community in order to continue to grow the movement and deliver on the mission. Board members play an instrumental role as ambassadors and partners in identifying opportunities, engaging new supporters and cultivating valuable connections.

• Experience with a variety of revenue models and financial oversight and management: In the increasingly competive market place, NAMI must be laser-focused on long-term financial sustainability in service of bringing the mission to individuals, families and communities everywhere. Individuals with extensive knowledge of profit-oriented revenue models used in nonprofit

organizations and those with the skill to carefully monitor and manage a multi-million dollar financial portfolio are needed to help steer the board at this time.

• Board governance and innovation: In order to maximize the effectiveness and impact of NAMI, strong governance practices for the national board itself are essential. Individuals with extensive leadership and governance experience in the for-profit and nonprofit sectors focused on critical activities are encouraged to consider serving on the board. Experience that prepares board members well includes: strategic planning, hiring and evaluating exectuve leadership, measuring impact and outcomes, managing risk, etc.

To strengthen these areas, the NAMI Board is asking that each candidate respond in writing specifically about his/her knowledge, experience and expertise in these highly-desired areas.

NAMI Board Service CommitmentNAMI board service is an honor and a privilege. For those who earn the opportunity, NAMI board service must be a top volunteer priority. NAMI board members must commit to do the following:

• Understand and protect the fiduciary health of the organization

• Understand and adhere to the legal and fiduciary responsibilities of a nonprofit board

• Serve a three-year term, with the opportunity to serve two consecutive terms if reelected

• Attend quarterly meetings of two to three days’ duration in Arlington, Va., as well the meetings that occur during the NAMI National Convention

» Attend the NAMI National Convention where board members serve as event ambassadors to the membership and others who attend

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• Dedicate time weekly to NAMI Board service, which may include the following:

» Service on three standing committees

» Conference calls

» Other work groups as needed

» Travel for board and other meetings

• Make what the individual believes to be a significant financial contribution to NAMI, on an annual basis.

The NAMI bylaws require that a minimum of 75% of the board comprise persons who have or have had mental illness, or parents or their relatives, including civil and domestic partners. To ensure compliance with this requirement, all candidates are asked to identify if they have had a lived experience of serious mental illness. Because all currently seated board members for the 2018–19 term do self-identify under this definition, nominations of those who do not have lived experience as an individual or as a family member are welcomed to this 2019 election cycle.

New This Year for NAMI Elections• Last year the NAMI Board changed the annual election process

to ensure sound and fair election practices and to encourage highly-qualified individuals to come forward for board service. Understanding that change takes time to be rooted, the changes are highlighted again here:

• Requirements for written statements to be presented to the credentialed voting membership have been simplified and streamlined.

• All degrees and professional certifications that a candidate wishes to include in his/her profile for presentation to the voting membership will be subject to verification. Any information that cannot be externally validated will not be included in the candidate’s profile.

• Candidates will be submitted to a criminal background check. However, data forthcoming from a criminal background check will not disqualify an individual from board service. Results of

the background check will remain confidential and will not be included in the candidate’s profile. For more details, please refer to www.nami.org/2019Elections.

• Revised nomination and revised candidate paperwork commits nominators and candidates to disclose potential conflicts of interest and to verify (as nominators) or to agree to uphold (as candidates) the ethics and confidentiality policies. These declarations historically have been part of board expectations and continue to be longstanding agreements that board members sign as they are seated on the board.

• The board will recommend those candidates who are assessed as having the greatest potential to contribute skills and expertise needed to complement existing strengths of board members whose terms continue into the 2019-2020 board year. All qualified candidates will stand for election, but all candidates may not receive a board recommendation.

When Considering a NominationService on the NAMI board is a fulfilling experience. We are honored and humbled to represent the members who elected us, and we are dedicated to doing the best job possible for NAMI and its vital mission. We invite able and experienced leaders from all walks of life to join us in this remarkable journey—and we thank the thousands of NAMI members who inspire and focus us in our work.

We encourage those who are considering seeking election to contact us.

Thank you for all that you do, every day, to support NAMI!

Sincerely,

NAMI Board of Directors

Questions? If you have questions about the election process, contact [email protected] or visit www.nami.org/voting.

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Voting Information for NAMI Elections

About the ElectionNAMI’s annual election includes selecting board members, possibly amending bylaws and considering resolutions posed by the membership.

NAMI Affiliates in good standing (i.e., those embracing the NAMI mission, having at least five members and having fully paid dues) and NAMI State Organizations may vote, either by absentee ballot or onsite at the NAMI National Convention.

Each NAMI State Organization gets one vote in the NAMI election. NAMI Affiliates have “weighted votes” based on the number of members in the group as of 70 days prior to the election. The more members a NAMI Affiliate has, the more votes it gets, ranging from one vote for groups of five to 50 to 10 votes for groups of 800 or more.

Individuals do not vote in NAMI’s election, but all NAMI members may participate in the election by helping to decide how their NAMI Affiliate or NAMI State Organization will cast its vote. Contact NAMI Affiliate and NAMI State Organization leaders for more information about how and when they will decide to vote. Each NAMI Affiliate and NAMI State Organization chooses someone to serve as a credentialed delegate or proxy. That person will cast the ballot on behalf of the group.

Voting Packet In late May, NAMI will mail a packet of voting information, including an Elections Guide to the candidates, instructions for voting, credentialing forms and important elections processes to each NAMI Affiliate and NAMI State Organization in good standing. To ensure you get your voting packet, please work with NAMI Member Services, [email protected], to update your mailing address in NAMI 360. If you have not received your voting packet by June 8, 2019, please contact [email protected].

Members may begin convening now to consider who will serve as delegate or proxy for their NAMI State Organization and NAMI Affiliate. Members must submit credentialing forms to the NAMI office by noon ET on June 22, 2019.

Online & Absentee Voting NAMI’s online voting system will allow easy access for both absentee voting and onsite voting. The information packet being mailed in May will contain more detail about online voting for casting absentee ballots.

Credentialing Before Convention Individuals designated as proxies by the leadership of their NAMI Affiliates and NAMI State Organizations will vote at the NAMI National Convention. Pre-credentialing allows NAMI Affiliates and State organizations to tell NAMI in advance who will cast the vote for their group. This saves voters valuable time at the convention because they can receive their voting credentials quickly.

If a voter has not been pre-credentialed, NAMI will have to confirm onsite with leadership at the NAMI Affiliate or State Organization that the person is authorized to vote. Onsite credentialing often takes time away from the potential voter that could be spent in other ways at convention. Voters must complete pre-credentialing by noon ET on June 14, 2019.

Voting at Convention – NEW IN 2019! New this year, NAMI will now have a booth near registration where questions about the election can be answered, potential voters can confirm their credentials to cast a ballot for their affiliate or state organization, credentialed voters can pick up their voting information and cast a ballot. That booth will open at noon on Wednesday, June 19 and be open at posted hours until voting ends on Thursday, June 20th at 6:30 p.m. Pacific time.

NAMI Affiliates and NAMI State Organizations that do not return voting credentials to NAMI by noon ET on June 14, 2019 will be subject to onsite review and qualification.

Results NAMI will report results at the NAMI business meeting on Saturday, June 22. Results will also be posted on www.nami.org/2019elections.

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Candidate Information Candidates are listed in the order in which they accepted their nomina-tion and confirmed their willingness to serve on the Board if elected.

Candidates and their nominating entities completed detailed questionnaires that spoke to the strengths and attributes the NAMI Board of Directors identified as the areas of skill and experience most needed in 2019 to help the board realize the vision and growth of the organization. Candidates also answered questions about their own assessment of their leadership styles, experience with NAMI in roles of leadership and volunteer service and activities with other nonprofit and for-profit boards. The board will use the questionnaires when considering which candidates to recommend as best meeting the skills and needs for the board’s service in 2019–2020.

The candidate profiles that follow summarize information provided during the campaign process. Additionally, the candidates explain how they will use their skills in the areas highlighted by the board as strengths needed to advance NAMI’s mission. If candidates’ skill sets did not meet specific areas identified by the board, they explained what other qualities the board should consider when making recommendations to the membership.

Hear Candidates on the Web Historically, nearly half of all NAMI ballots are cast absentee, which means many NAMI Affiliates and NAMI State Organizations cast their vote without ever hearing the candidates speak.

To give members more opportunity to know the candidates, NAMI will post a five-minute speech by each candidate at www.nami.org/2019candidates.

The NAMI board has identified the list of strengths and attributes below as high-priority needs for the 2019-2020 board with each candidate selecting their areas of expertise:

● Diversity of age, race, ethnicity, language, experience and national geography

● Knowledge of the philanthropic community and track record with donor cultivation

● Information technology to guide infrastructure development

● Board governance and innovation

Candidate Speeches and Meet-and-GreetCandidates will deliver their speeches at the NAMI National Convention on Wednesday, June 19. Candidates will each have five minutes to address attendees. Immediately following the candidate speeches, members and representatives of NAMI Affiliates and NAMI State Organizations can chat briefly with each candidate about their candidacy and plans for contributing to the NAMI mission if elected.

More Information Visit www.nami.org/2019candidates for additional resources on each candidate, including letters of nomination and five-minute speeches from each candidate.

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Jim Reiser, continued

Specific Strengths and Attributes: ● Diversity of age, race, ethnicity,

language, experience and national geography

● Information technology to guide infrastructure development


Jim Reiser, MBA, MAMember, NAMI Gainesville (FL) Nominated by NAMI Gainesville (FL)

Job Title or Position: Retired Financial Manager/Controller

NAMI Affiliations:• President, NAMI Cobb County, GA Board

of Directors (1988 - 1994)• Member, NAMI Georgia Board of Directors (1990–1994)• Member, NAMI New York City Metro

Board of Directors (1995-2001)• Member, NAMI Gainesville (FL) Board of Directors (2011-2019)

NAMI Programs:• NAMI Family Support Group• NAMI Advocacy

Other Board Service:• Senior Consultant, Burchman-Terrio-Quist (BTQ), 2000-2006• Board member, Florida ACT team (Alachua

County FACT), 2012-2019

Public Service:• Program Manager, HEW Regional Developmental

Disabilities, Region V Chicago, 1973-1977 Relationship to Mental Health: Family member or direct/front-line support of someone with a mental health condition

Thirty-two years ago, NAMI saved me from abandoning my brother and has since fueled my passion for advocacy. I joined NAMI long before the advent of signature programs and the peer recovery movement. Then–and it’s still true today–families are the largest supportive housing, 24/7 case management and financial providers.

I have the utmost conviction that NAMI affiliates do more to support peer recovery than all publicly funded programs combined. NAMI should embrace these facts and strongly advocate for public support.

I want to use the skills I honed working in major consumer products companies to move NAMI to better market its capabilities. Research has already shown that training families is one of the best ways to prevent relapse. By organizing our peers, our strongest advocates, we can increase our advocacy/marketing potential.

I can use my years of financial management experience in corporate and non-profit sectors to help NAMI strategically plan to get the biggest return on investment and best outcome. Unlike other providers, public funding in NAMI’s hands has a multiplying effect because of our large volunteer network.

Finally, for over 25 years, I have been one of the volunteers working at NAMI affiliates. National can do more to support affiliates. Demand is high for NAMI’s signature programs, but supply is limited by the availability of trained teachers. National could increase train the trainer classes by putting them on-line. You would ensure standardization and could require minimal affiliate class size to encourage group discussion and solidarity.

I have personally helped advance the NAMI mission in my community by testifying before state legislators (Georgia), county commissioners (Florida), as well as by providing critical financial management assistance (NYC Metro). Additionally, I have organized busloads of peers to lobby legislators during Mental Health Awareness Week in Albany & Tallahassee.

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Kimmie Jordan, continued




Kimmie Jordan, LMFT, CPRP, LADACMember, NAMI Doña County (NM) Nominated by NAMI Doña Ana County (NM)

Job Title or Position: Contractor and Consultant, Kimmie Jordan Mental Health Rehabilitation Services

NAMI Affiliations:• Member, NAMI State President’s Council, 2011–present

(Vice Chair, 2018–present; Chair, 2016–2018)• Member, NAMI New Mexico Board of Directors, 2011–

present (Immediate Past President, 2018–present; President, 2014–2018; President-Elect, 2012–2013)

• Member, NAMI Doña Ana County Board of Directors, 2014–present (Vice President, 2018–present; President, 2014–2016)

• Member, NAMI Ventura County Board of Directors, 2009–2010 (Vice President & Media and Outreach committee Chair)

NAMI Progams: • NAMI Family-To-Family• NAMI Provider Education• NAMI Family & Friends• NAMI Connection• NAMI Family Support Group• NAMI Smarts for Advocacy• NAMIWalks

Other Board Service:• Member, The Counseling Center Board

of Directors, 2018–Present• Member, Psychosocial Rehabilitation Association of

New Mexico (PSRANM) Board of Directors, 2011–

present (Executive Director, 2015–Present)• Co-Chair, Doña Ana County Behavioral

Health Collaborative (2006)• Member, Doña Ana County Behavioral Health Collaborative

(Access to Care Subcommittee Chair, 2005 & 2006) Relationship to Mental Health: Individual with first-person experience of mental health condition; Family member or direct/front-line support of someone with a mental health condition; Provider/mental health practitioner/employee in the field

I have served as State President’s chair, State President for NAMI New Mexico, and NAMI Doña Ana County. I have served in other leadership roles within the organization including affiliate walk leader. My experience has given me an inside understanding of all of the different levels of the organization and see the importance of alignment to increase the effectiveness of the organization as a whole. I have 4 years’ experience as president of NAMI New Mexico and during that time was able to assist in moving the organization to a place to hire an executive director for the first time in the history of the organization. This was a vision for many years and worked diligently to obtain funding, leadership, and resources to make this vision a reality. I would bring the determination and perseverance to the national board to move the organization towards growth and to become a household name. My 19 years of experience in the mental health field, lifetime of managing my own mental health symptoms, and caring for loved ones living with mental health conditions. I also hope to bring forward my experience as a bi-racial female in helping to address minority concerns in the mental health arena at a national level. I am an advocate for individuals living in rural and frontier areas of New Mexico in accessing services. I will bring this understanding of needs in underserved areas of the country to the national board.

I have personally helped advance the NAMI mission in my community as the mental health and advocacy lead for the CIT VALOR initiative in Alamogordo training 23 officers from multiple agencies, and 13 Trainers bringing CIT to the county for the first time.

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Shirley J. Holloway, continued

Areas of expertise: ● Diversity of age, race, ethnicity,




Shirley J. Holloway, Ph.D.Nominated by NAMI Alaska Member, NAMI Anchorage (AK)

NAMI Board of Directors Service: Incumbent, completing first term, 2016–2019

Job Title or Position: Consultant, Leadership for Excellence

NAMI Affiliates:• Member, NAMI Anchorage Board of Directors (Vice President, 5

years)• Member, NAMI Alaska (Vice President, 2 years, President, 2

years)NAMI Programs:

• NAMI Family-to-Family• NAMI Advocacy

Other Board Service:• Member, Ilisagvik Foundation Board of Directors, 3 years

Member, Sheldon Jackson College Board of Trustees, 12 years (President, 5 years)

• Member, Charter College Board of Trustees (for profit college), 13 years

• Member, The CIRI Foundation Board of Directors, 18 years• Member, Blood Bank of Alaska Board of Directors, 4 years

Member, State Board of Education, 8 years• Member, Alaska Children’s Trust Commission, 4 years.• Member, Governor Walker’s transition team, 1 month

Public Service:• Commissioner of Education, State of Alaska, 6 years. Served

two governors.• First President, Ilisagvik College, 2 years• Visiting Professor, University of Alaska Anchorage, 2 years

• Superintendent of Schools, North Slope Borough School District and Nine Mile Falls School District, 6 years

• Assistant Superintendent, Principal, speech pathologist, teacher of the deaf, home-school educator, adjunct faculty UAA, classroom teacher, special education teacher, Community Action supervisor for Head Start, 30 years

Relationship to Mental Health: Family member or direct/front-line support of someone with a mental health condition

I certainly fall into the category of diversity of age (smile) and national geography (from Alaska). My sign language skills are a little rusty but in a pinch could communicate with a person living with deafness. I am a strong advocate for rural America. Alaska is not alone in having remote communities, very hard to serve communities with little to no access to mental health services. Web-based, on-line programming must become a priority. We launched our first web-based family support system. NAMI needs to lead this endeavor with vigor.

I have many years of fundraising experience for different causes. I understand the need to cultivate relationships. I feel the NAMI Board of Directors is under-utilized in this area. My last experience with the Blood Bank of Alaska capitol campaign was a huge success (raised 7 million). I would like to help the NAMI board learn how they can be critical part of the fund development team.

My consulting business, Leadership for Excellence, for the last few years has focused on helping Boards learn what it means to govern an organization and the important role of performance assessments on their CEO and themselves. Trying new approaches and facilitating Board growth is a strength I bring to NAMI.

I have personally helped advance the NAMI mission in my community by reaching out to Native corporations for funding and support. I have worked hard to get the word out that NAMI can be a very significant player in a comprehensive mental health system. I meet with legislators, the Alaska Mental Health Trust, and many other leaders to get out the NAMI message. I developed and facilitated the first state-wide professional development workshop for representatives from all of the NAMI affiliates in Alaska. I also donate to and support the NAMI Anchorage Remembrance Tree yearly event.

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Lisa R. Carchedi, continued





Lisa R. Carchedi, M.D., M.S., C-IAYTMember, Harford County (MD) Nominated by NAMI Maryland

Job Title or Position: Psychiatrist

NAMI Affiliations:

• Member, NAMI Austin (TX) Board of Directors, 2010–2014

NAMI Programs:

• NAMIWalks

Other Board Service:

• Seton Shoal Creek Hospital, Austin, TX, 2009–2015 (Secretary of Staff, Vice Chief of Staff, Chief of Staff, 2013–2015; Peer Review and Medical Executive Committees 2009–2014

• Member, Texas Society of Psychiatric Physicians, 2009–2011

• Chairman, Pharmacy and Therapeutics Committee, 2009–2015

Public Service:

• Volunteer, Harford County (MD) Elections, 2017

Relationship to Mental Health: Individual with first-person experience of mental health condition; Family member or direct/front-line support of someone with a mental health condition; Provider/mental health practitioner/employee in the field

When looking at the current strengths as well as projected needs of the NAMI Board, I am confident that I have the skills required. I am a medical doctor, yes, but more importantly, a psychiatrist. I advocate for and treat those suffering with mental health symptoms; however, I also interact with their families, friends, and other health providers. I trained in the US Army, and am a veteran who now works only a few miles away from the largest inpatient facility in the Maryland Health Care System (Perry Point). I am the Captain of Team AWESOME—originally in Austin, and now in Maryland. In Austin, Team AWESOME was voted “Top Team” for member recruitment and monies raised. I coached others how to do the same. Austin was Affiliate of the Year in 2013 in part due to the success of the Walk.

I have had several medical committee leadership positions as well as represented the hospital as Chief of Staff. I was a workgroup member creating the new and innovative Dell-UT Austin medical school. I managed my administrative duties along with my clinical practice, research, service on the NAMI-Austin Board, and teaching of residents and medical students. All my students learned about NAMI and the impact of stigma on mental health when on psychiatry. They took this information onto other student rotations (i.e. internal medicine) and spread the word about NAMI.

I have personally helped advance the NAMI mission in my community by educating colleagues, patients and families about NAMI, its resources, as well as other mental health issues. I try to project compassion and acceptance. For me, being a psychiatrist is not just about prescribing medication. I spend time listening to a person’s story so that together we can create an effective plan. Stigma not only affects those in active treatment. It keeps a lot of people from ever showing up at all. Education and understanding help fight stigma. Participating in the Walk and promoting NAMI’s resources lower barriers to care and eliminates stigma. Being kind and respectful also helps.

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Tracy Plouck, continued

Specific Strengths and Attributes: ● Board governance and innovation

Tracy PlouckMember, NAMI Delaware & Morrow Counties (OH) Nominated by NAMI Ohio

Job Title or Position: Executive in Residence, Ohio University

NAMI Affiliations: Member, NAMI Delaware & Morrow Counties (OH) Board of Directors, 2019


• Member, National Association of State Mental Health Program Directors, 5 years total (President, 2.5 years; Regional Representative, 2.5 years)

• Member, Council of State Governments Justice Center, 3 years (Vice Chair, 1 year)

• Member, Kent State University Alumni Association Board of Directors, 6 years

Public Service:

• Director, Ohio Department of Mental Health Addiction Services, 7.5 years

• Director, Ohio Medicaid Program, 3 years • Chief of Policy & Operations, Ohio Medicaid Program, 3 years • Deputy Director, Senior for Health & Human Services, and • Budget/Management Analyst, Ohio Office

of Budget & Management, 8 years • Deputy Director, Ohio Department of

Developmental Disabilities, 1.5 years • Fiscal Analyst, Department of Human Services, 1.5 years

Relationship to Mental Health: Family member or direct/front-line support of someone with a mental health condition

I have extensive state-level budgeting and policy experience, having served 7.5 years as Ohio’s Director of Mental Health and Addiction Services and 3 years as Ohio’s Medicaid Director (appointed by both Republican and Democratic Governors.) I’ve also served 8 years in the Ohio Office of Budget and Management, with specific expertise in health & human services budgeting.

While leading the state’s mental health system, I served as President of the National Association of State Mental Health Program Directors for 2.5 years. I’ve also served as Vice Chair of the Council of State Governments’ Justice Center, where I worked to support the national Stepping Up initiative to reduce the number of people with mental illnesses in jails.

Throughout my career, I’ve led diverse teams of up to 2,600 staff and managed very large, complex budgets. I have extensive public speaking experience, a record of integrity and credibility, and a network of contacts across the country with an interest in mental health policy. My partnership with NAMI Ohio has been lengthy and strong; I appreciate them nominating me to this board.

In my community, I volunteered on the local crisis line for ten years and currently serve as a board member of NAMI Delaware & Morrow Counties. In my current job at Ohio University, I work with communities across the state to address mental health and addiction challenges (e.g., writing federal grants, convening teams to develop practical solutions). I also provide policy advice to a large national philanthropy with interest in improving mental health interventions.

As a new board member of NAMI Delaware & Morrow Counties, I am helping to build local partnerships to expand the number of NAMI Family-to-Family and other classes being offered within our community. We are training more volunteers, trying new methods of outreach, and seeking corporate partners who can offer support in different ways. It is an exciting time for my chapter, which is located in one of the fastest growing areas of the Midwest, and I’m honored to be a part of it.

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David Stout, continued




El Paso County Commissioner David StoutMember, NAMI El Paso (TX) Nominated by NAMI El Paso

Job Title or Position: Commissioner, County of El Paso

NAMI Programs: • NAMI Advocacy• NAMI Walks

Other Board Service:• Member, Emergence Health Network, 3 years (Vice-Chair) • Member, Texas Council of Community

Centers Board of Directors, 3 years • Member, Project BRAVO, Community Action Agency, 2 years• Member, Medical Center of the Americas Foundation

Board of Directors (Honorary), 4 years • Member, Downtown Management District

Board of Directors (Honorary), 4 years • Member, National Association of Counties (Large Urban

Counties Caucus Member, International Economic Development Taskforce Member, Medicaid and Indigent Care Subcommittee Vice Chair), 2 years

• Member, Texas Conference of Urban Counties, Policy Committee Member, Board of Directors, 4 years

• Member, Texas Increment Reinvestment Zone #5, 4 years

Public Service:• Precinct 2 Commissioner, El Paso County, TX, 4.5 years • Media Relations Specialist/Binational Affairs Liaison,

Texas State Senator Jose Rodriguez, 3.5 years

Relationship to Mental Health: Individual with first-person experience of mental health condition; Family member or direct/front-line support of someone with a mental health condition; Non-Profit Advocate; Community Engagement/Employer

As a County Commissioner, access to mental healthcare and primary healthcare services are my top priorities. I spend much of my time volunteering at the local mental health authority (Emergence Health Network). I serve as the Vice Chair of their Board of Directors and focus on advocating for improving the quality of life for all individuals living with mental illnesses and their families. I also serve on the board of directors for the Texas Council of Community Centers, the statewide association for local mental health authorities, where I advocate for increased access and funding for mental healthcare.

Because of this experience, I am excited to be considered for the NAMI board in order to continue this important work and advance its mission at the national level. I hope to contribute my background and strengths in media/public relations and board governance/innovations, my experience as an elected official on the U.S.-Mexico border, and my language skills in Spanish and Portuguese to add to the diversity of the board and serve all constituents living with mental illness.

I hold a master’s degree in Latin American Studies with concentrations in Brazilian Culture and Literature and International Business and have spent an extensive amount of time in Latin America. Having also worked for many years in both Spanish and English language news outlets like Telemundo, Univision and NBC, and living and serving as an elected official in El Paso, Texas, I have gained experience working with officials and individuals from a number of countries, developing the skills necessary to understand the importance of multi-lingual communication and relationship-building, especially within diverse cultures that continue to grow in predominance across our country. I would be excited to take these skills and unique experiences to the NAMI board.

Over the years, I have also been very involved with my local NAMI chapter, advocating on behalf of NAMI El Paso at the County and on the Board of Directors for Emergence Health Network. I have also attended many NAMI El Paso events as both a participant and guest speaker, and I have served as a NAMIWalks chair in order to support their work toward offering more access to mental health services in the community.

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Nadine H. Lewis, continued





Nadine H. Lewis, CWO, USCG, RetiredMember, NAMI Edmond-North OKC (OK) Nominated by NAMI Oklahoma

Job Title or Position: Chief Warrant Officer, United States Coast Guard, Retired

NAMI Affiliations:

• Member, NAMI Oklahoma Board of Directors, 2015–present

• Member, NAMI Service Members, Veterans and Their Families Council, 2016–2019 (Chair, 2018–present, 1st Vice Chair, 2017–2018)

NAMI Programs:

• NAMI In Our Own Voice

• NAMI Connection

• NAMIWalks


• Vice Chair, North Side Foundation, 2012–2017 Relationship to Mental Health: Individual with first-person experience of mental health condition; Family member or direct/front-line support of someone with a mental health condition

As a retired Coast Guard Chief Warrant Officer, I will use my leadership skills to help guide the board in the direction it needs to go. I have

experiences inside and outside of the Coast Guard in aspect of having to make critical decisions on financial management, personnel matters, and strategic planning. Being from Oklahoma I can appreciate how difficult it is to serve and assist those in the rural community, as we have that challenge as well and continue to strive to grow our rural affiliates.

Being part American Indian, and a former member of the military, I want to serve the underserved, by giving them a voice.

As a current state board member, I understand the challenges of maintaining the financial health of NAMI as a whole. I constantly support fundraising activities and personality contribute to my local state office.

As the governance chair of my state board, I have been involved in the interview process In bringing on new board members and have assisted in mentoring and orientation of the new members. I have also, been a part of preparing the new slate of officer each year. I am also, the current chair of NAMI Service Members, Veterans and Their Families Council. I have lead the council through some significant changes this year. The way we hold meetings to encouraging all members to participate on the council. We have improved communications and getting more feedback from members on the council. Council members are getting more involved with issues that affect us.

I believe my experiences are valuable to the board as it moves forward in growing its programs and financial health.

I have personally helped advance the NAMI mission in my community by being a NAMI In Our Own Voice presenter and state trainer, a NAMI Connection group facilitator and state trainer, and a NAMIWalks Team Captain. I present to police officers at their CIT programs throughout the state of Oklahoma. I also present to affiliates and colleges. I make a financial contribution to help support NAMI programs. I also do not accept any money from my affiliate or state when I present or do a state training. I also represent NAMI on the Oklahoma City’s Mayors challenge team that is working to prevent suicide for Service Members, Veterans and Their Families.

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Doug Beach, continued

Specific Strengths and Attributes: ● Knowledge of the philanthropic

community and track record with donor cultivation

● Information Technology, to guide infrastructure development


Doug Beach, M.S.Member, NAMI San Antonio Nominated by NAMI San Antonio (TX)

Job Title or Position: Retired

NAMI Affiliations:• Member, NAMI San Antonio Board of Directors, 2014–present

(President, 2015–present; Interim Executive Director, 1.5 years)• Member, NAMI FaithNet Advisory Group, 2016–present (Chair, 2017–

present)

NAMI Programs: • NAMI Family-to-Family• NAMI Advocacy• NAMI Speakers Bureau• NAMIWalks

Other Board Service: • President/Owner, Texas Cavalcade Corporation, 1988–present• Member, Witte Museum of Natural Science and History, Board of

Directors, 1983–1997 (Chair, 1994–1997)• Member, Mission Road Ministries Board of Directors, 1990–1996

(Treasurer, 1990–1996)• First Presbyterian Church San Antonio Board, 1983–present (Elder,

Deacon, Chair, Mental Health Ministry)• Member, Alamo Area Council-Boy Scouts of America Board of Directors,

1996–2000 (Treasurer, 1996–2000)• Member, San Antonio Tourism Council Board of Directors, 1990–2010

(Founder/Board President, 1990–2010)• Member, Texas Travel Industry Association Board of Directors, 19990–

1995 (Treasurer, 1990–1995)• Member, San Antonio Convention and Visitors Bureau Board of

Directors, 1990–1993 • Member, Greater San Antonio Chamber of Commerce Board of

Directors, 1993–1994

Public Service: • LMHA/Chair, Public Network Advisory Committee, 2016–present • Member, Behavioral Health Integration Advisory Committee, Texas

Department of State Health Services, 3 years • Member, Behavioral Health Advisory Committee, Texas Department of

Health and Human Services, 1st year of 3-year term Relationship to Mental Health: Family member or direct/front-line support of someone with a mental health condition

In regard to my knowledge of the philanthropic community and track record with donor cultivation, I can share the experience gained over the past thirty-five years serving on numerous non-profit boards and councils, chairing fundraising/development committees, and leading boards as the chair/president. My experience includes creating a development plan, developing a donor data base, and donor solicitation. As a prospective NAMI board member, I expect to be involved in the on-going work of helping develop the resources for NAMI to grow.

I can use my M.S. degree in Systems Science, ten years in consulting on systems design/development/installation, and thirty years of owning and operating businesses to help NAMI envision a future that avails itself of IT to help serve members, communicate with constituencies, and more effectively manage its mission. I have helped translate a business plan into an information plan that helps users perform their jobs and enriches the learning experience for constituents.

Serving on and leading different boards and organizations gives me the knowledge to help ensure that NAMI always maintains the highest standards of governance and integrity and effectively combines its organizational resources, staff, and members. I have both founded new organizations and re-invented others. I have developed new by-laws, written strategic plans, recruited board members, led executive searches, and looked for new opportunities to foster growth. These are all experiences that NAMI can utilize at the board level.

I have personally helped advance the NAMI mission in my community by teaching NAMI Family to Family classes and serving as the NAMI board president. I advise our LMHA, assist with the San Antonio State Hospital Redesign, and serve on the Texas Department of State Health Services Behavioral Health Integration Committee, and the Texas Department of HHS Behavioral Health Advisory Committee.

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Charma D. Dudley, continued




Charma D. Dudley, Ph.D., FPPR Member, NAMI Pittsburgh North (PA) Nominated by NAMI Keystone Pennsylvania


Job Title or Position: Beacon Health Options

NAMI Affiliations:

• Member, NAMI Southwestern Pennsylvania Board of Directors, 2002–2017 (President, 2009–2017)

• Member, NAMI Keystone Pennsylvania Board of Directors, 2017–present (President 2017–present)

NAMI Programs: • NAMIWalks


• Member, Allegheny Family Network Board of Directors, 5 years

• Member, Renaissance Center Board of Directors, 6 years Relationship to Mental Health: Family member or direct/front-line support of someone with a mental health condition; Provider/mental health practitioner/employee in the field

As a licensed psychologist for many years, I lacked familiarity with NAMI, the largest grassroots mental health organization, until a Family Advocate suggested I get involved. She thought I would be able to educate and speak truth in a way people can understand and act as an advocate to close the systemic gaps that negatively impact disadvantaged communities.

Once I understood the mission and vision, I was deeply committed, ready to educate, advocate and lead, initially as a mental health professional and later as a family member. I served as a board member for NAMI Southwestern Pennsylvania (SWPA), a large regional affiliate for 17 years which included serving as the Vice President and President. In my leadership roles, we collaborated with Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority (AKA), Behavioral Health Managed Care Organizations and other systems of care to promote our mission.

I also served as board member of Allegheny Family Network (AFN) where I was responsible for forging the relationship between NAMI, AFN and Mental Health America (MHA) which led to a formal memorandum of understanding between the organizations. NAMI earned PANO accreditation for high standards of excellence.

As president of NAMI SWPA, an energized affiliate, I led the transition to become the state organization, NAMI Keystone Pennsylvania. As an incumbent, I will continue to promote mental health awareness, stomp out stigma, decrease disparities in communities of color and inequality among all groups and advance zero suicide initiatives among high risk populations including youth where suicide is the second leading cause of death.

As a psychologist and family member, it is my mission to educate all communities that mental illness impacts everyone. My major role is to continue to help families, educators, religious institutions and other social service agencies understand that mental health conditions are just as important as physical health conditions and treatment is available and necessary. Using various forms including NAMIWalks, media appearances, workshops, YouTube videos, newsletters and articles, I have increased awareness and helped eradicate stigma, particularly in communities of color. Why? Because 1 in 5 individuals including children have a mental health condition.

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Ingrid Diaz, continued

Specific Strengths and Attributes:

• Diversity of age, race, ethnicity, language, experience and national geography

Ingrid Diaz, Ph.D., M.A., M.S.W., LCSWMember, NAMI New Jersey (NJ) Nominated by NAMI New Jersey

Job Title or Position: Psychologist, New Jersey Mentor

NAMI Affiliations:

• Member, NAMI New Jersey Board of Trustees, 10 years (Vice-President, current)

NAMI Programs:• NAMI Parents & Teachers As Allies

• De Familia a Familia de NAMI

• Bases y Fundamentos de NAMI

• NAMIWalks

Other Board Service:• Housing Coalition Board of Directors

• Member, Middlesex County Democratic Organization Member (Vice Chair)

• Member, Coalition of Alcohol and Tobacco Dependence Board of Directors

• Member, New Brunswick Board of Education Board of Directors

• Member, New Brunswick Cable Commission Board of Directors

• Member, New Brunswick Board of Adjustment Board of Directors

• Member, New Jersey Latino Psychological Association Board of Directors

• Member, Puerto Rican Action Board Advisory Committee

Public Service:

• Member, New Brunswick City Council

Relationship to Mental Health: Family member or direct/front-line support of someone with a mental health condition; Provider/ mental health practitioner/employee in the field

The NAMI mission summarizes the standards I have upheld all of my life. I began as an advocate for the disenfranchised, struggling with mental illness since I was 8 years old, due to my father’s condition. My father struggled with disabling Depression and Anxiety all of his life. Since I am an only child, and at the time the only English-speaking member of the family, I began to ensure my father’s rights were met and enforced.

As an adult, a clinical social and a clinical psychologist, I continue to strive to serve not just the Latino population, but all protected classes. I live in New Jersey, and although it is a metropolitan area, minorities, particularly those struggling with mental illness are easily ignored. I have made it my life’s work, passion and mission to ensure not just adequate care, but also promoting health and healing. I believe this an important element to promote the mission of the board.

I have been an active member of NAMI NJ for more than a decade, by providing training, support and guidance to the NAMI EN ESPANOL program, as well as NAMI NJ overall. The minority community, particularly in Middlesex county, was fearful of seeking mental health services due to the stigma it represented. Through outreach, education and partnership, I have been able to assist in advancing NAMI’s mission at the local, hospital and state levels, particularly through the Latino conferences.

3433

Jeff Fladen, continued






Jeff Fladen, M.S.W.Member, NAMI Davidson County (TN)Nominated by NAMI Tennessee (TN)

Job Title or Position: Executive Director, NAMI Tennessee

NAMI Affiliations:

• Member, NAMI Executive Directors Council, 6 years (2nd Vice Chair, 1 year)

NAMI Programs:

• NAMI Ending the Silence• NAMI Advocacy• NAMIWalks


• Member, Healing Arts Project, Inc Board of Directors, 2 years

• Member, Middle Tennessee Regional Mental Health Institute Board of Directors, 3 years

Relationship to Mental Health: Individual with first-person experience of mental health condition; Family member or direct/front-line support of someone with a mental health condition; Provider/mental health practitioner/employee in the field; Non-Profit Advocate

I have had the privilege to serve for six years as the NAMI Tennessee Executive Director. I have made board development, revenue enhancement, and expanded programming a priority. I have been Executive Director of two other agencies and Associate Executive of a third. I also currently serve on two local boards. This experience enables me to be an effective board member. My experience with NAMI Tennessee has given me deep understanding of the mission and vision of NAMI as well as knowledge of NAMI programs.

I strive to benefit from training that is provided by NAMI and am active at EDLE and a member of the ED Council Executive Committee. I have been recognized as a leader by my peers. My experience in Tennessee has taught me a great deal about affiliates and I have made support and assistance for affiliates a priority. Only two of our affiliates in Tennessee have paid staff, resulting in the need to work collaboratively and offer support.

Like most that I have met through NAMI, I have a personal connection with mental illness. I am the child of two parents that lived with a mental health condition. Both had multiple psychiatric hospitalizations during my childhood. I too have had mental health treatment. Perhaps not surprisingly, I became trained as a clinical social worker and have worked as a case manager, crisis counselor, therapist, EAP provider, and program manager. I believe that my skills and past experience would be beneficial for the NAMI Board.

I have personally helped advance the NAMI mission in my community by raising the profile of NAMI in Tennessee, bringing in new people that have connections, skills, or resources, increasing state and other funding, and diversifying revenue. I focus on building collaborations with NAMI involvement of myself, staff, or volunteers to improve services and opportunities. I work daily to encouraging growth of our grassroots efforts by recruiting and encouraging volunteers to become involved with our education, support and advocacy functions. I share information about mental illness, and mental health, and recovery through our weekly radio show and podcast.

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Jacqueline Martinez, continued






Jacqueline Martinez, CPS, FPSMember, NAMI MetroWest, NAMI Greater Boston Nominated by NAMI MetroWest (MA)


Job Title or Position: Mental Health Coordinator/Certified Peer Specialist, Massachusetts Department of Mental Health

NAMI Programs:• NAMI Family-To-Family• De Familia a Familia de NAMI• NAMI Peer-To-Peer• NAMI In Our Own Voice• NAMI Sharing Hope• NAMI Compartiendo Esperanza• NAMI Connection• NAMI Conexión• NAMI Family Support Group

Other Board Service:• Member, The Transformation Center Board of Directors,

7 years (Immediate Past President, 1 year) • Member, Disability Law Center, Protection and

Advocacy for Individuals with Mental Illness Advisory Council, 8 years (Chair, 8 years)

• Member, Massachusetts Attorney Generals Maura Healy Disability Rights Advisory Board, 5 years

Public Service:• Volunteer Supervisor, Revere Public Schools Food Pantry, 5 years • Register Educate Vote (REV) UP Initiative, 3 years

Relationship to Mental Health: Individual with first-person experience of mental health condition; Family member or direct/front-line support of someone with a mental health condition; Provider/mental health practitioner/employee in the field; Non-Profit Advocate; Other Professional

I consider myself a greatly valued member of NAMI Massachusetts for ten years. Using my experience as a person living with mental health issues and a family member who cares for siblings, children and parents with their own challenges, I work tirelessly to bring NAMI Signature programs to the Latino community. I also offer support as a NAMI State Trainer, teacher and facilitator.

In addition, I am the “NAMI voice” in many stakeholder groups concerned with underserved populations such as disability groups, deaf and hard of hearing initiatives and many programs that involve the care and mental health of children and parents. I provide parenting support to foster and adoptive parents and work hard to bring wellness perspectives into all the programs in which I am involved.

Since my recent experience with cancer, I have not only recovered, but have used my experience to assist with the yearly Cancer and Mental Health symposium which is supported by NAMI. I am a member of The Center of Excellence for Psychosocial and Systemic Research which is working with NAMI on establishing a program of research initiatives concerning the needs of those affected by Mental Health Concerns.

I am a great fundraiser for the local NAMIWalks and hope that I will be able to demonstrate my caring, passion and leadership for another three years on the board of NAMI National.

I have personally helped advance the NAMI mission in my community by introducing NAMI Signature Programs to diverse populations affected by mental illness. As a Spanish speaker I mainly work with the Latino population, but through this work I have helped NAMI to create partnerships with other racial and culturally underserved groups such as black, Asian, recent immigrants and those with disabilities. I also use NAMI programs as part of my work to help parents who care for a child with challenging behaviors who may also have their own mental health concerns.

NAMI BOARD ELECTIONS

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