Mental health director resigns


by Gina DeMent, Public Information Officer
Five County Mental Health Authority

Mr. T. Allen Gardner, Jr., Area Board Chairperson for Five County Mental Health Authority (FCMHA), has announced the resignation of Foster Norman, Area Director, who will leave the organization effective December 31, 2008.

Mr. Norman has accepted a similar position with the Southeastern Mental Health Center as their Area Director.

“The decision to leave Five County Mental Health Authority was not an easy one to make”, Mr. Norman said in a press release. “I am sad to be leaving; but FCMHA is in a very strong position to continue its mental health leadership in the Five County Area. I leave with tremendous respect for the people who work at FCMHA, respect for the dedication and professionalism they bring to work each day.”

“This is a personal career decision for Mr. Norman, and we are excited for him,” Board Chairperson, Allen Gardner said in a press release. “Although we are sad to see him go, we are grateful that he leaves behind a highly professional staff that has the strength and skill to guide the agency through a transition period while the Board conducts a careful and thorough search for a new Director.”

“Foster has been an exceptional leader,” said Mr. Gardner. “His vision and dedication has brought a great deal of growth to FCMHA. He led us through the difficult financial times we were experiencing when he came, and we have relied on him ever since.”

“During Mr. Norman’s time with FCMHA, the agency has become a leader throughout the state in the Mental Health field. He is very well respected and has led us in accomplishing the LME’s assessments and goals we have been given. Over the past nine years, Foster and the FCMHA staff have strengthened our position in the community and expanded our providers services during the reform transition”, commented Mr. Gardner. He has provided exceptional leadership during a difficult time for the MH/DD/SA system as it has gone through major changes as a result of system transformation. Foster has been able to continue to build upon our reputation as one of the leading LME’s in the state.”

The FCMHA Board is actively involved in the search for a new Executive Director. “I am confident that we will find an individual who will continue to build on the strong foundation that Foster and his predecessors have put in place. FCMHA is in a strong financial position. We are well equipped to build and deliver innovative service,” concluded Mr. Gardner.