Make new friends, but keep the old; one is silver, the other gold – traditional Girl Scout song--author unknown

During the August Mental Health Commission meeting, we experienced the passing of a torch, of sorts, as we said goodbye to George Gladis and welcomed Kathy Carter. Both of these individuals have long and distinguished histories with the department in one form or another, and both are deeply committed to assuring the highest quality possible of the services we offer.

George is a brilliant and tireless strategist, and a master of the legislative process. He established the commission’s first Legislative Committee and made it a priority to find ways to keep lawmakers informed about the issues that affect the people served by DMH across all program divisions. In this regard he is particularly exceptional. DMH has been blessed with a number of outstanding commissioners in its history, but their expertise had generally been focused on a single program area. Not so with George. George’s positive leadership in the political arena has helped DMH achieve increased funding, greater visibility for its consumers, and a higher level of empathy for DMH services among legislators.

Never the “yes man,” George challenged DMH when he thought its policies and practices were getting off track. DMH will miss George, but his legacy will not be lost nor forgotten.

Thanks, George, for your leadership, your commitment, and the standard you have set for future Mental Health Commissioners.

– Keith Schafer, Director