AKRON — The Board of Community Support Services announces the selection of non-profit leader, Robert Stokes, as its next President and Chief Executive Officer. Stokes will become the third President of the 29-year-old organization. Stokes brings to the position an extensive background in nonprofit management and a passion for behavioral health.
Stokes has almost 30 years of experience in healthcare, leadership and Summit County. He is currently serving as the Chief Executive Officer of Community Health Center. Prior to that, he served as President and CEO of Compass Corporation for Recovery Services in Toledo and earlier in his career as Chief Operating Officer of Coleman Professional Services.
“We are delighted to have Bob join Community Support Services. His leadership abilities, dedication to our mission, and deep knowledge of behavioral healthcare in Summit County allows Bob to get engaged from day one“ said Jim Pianalto, Chairperson of the Community Support Services Board of Directors. “As we look towards the changes and challenges facing behavioral health providers in the future, we are confident Bob will be able to provide the expertise and guidance Community Support Services needs to remain a cornerstone in Summit County for years to come.”
“These are challenging times in behavioral health and Community Support Service has had great leaders since the start of the organization” said Pianalto. Earlier this year, Terry Dalton announced his plans to retire after a 29-year career at Community Support Services. Dalton’s contributions were instrumental in growing the organization: from the first Mental Health Court in Ohio to the integration of primary and behavioral healthcare with the opening of the Margaret Clark Morgan Integrated Care Clinic. “Terry’s passion for Community Support Services and behavioral health is inimitable and we wish him the best in his retirement” said Pianalto.
Dalton will continue to be engaged in the organization and the transition to Stokes. “Bob’s experience and commitment to behavioral health will allow Community Support Services to continue to be a leader in the community during a time of immense change in how services will be provided and funded in the State of Ohio” said Terry Dalton.
Stokes' appointment follows an extensive search and is effective January 1, 2018. “I look forward to this wonderful opportunity to lead an excellent organization which has been providing quality healthcare services to the community” said Stokes.
MISSION Community Support Services: Helping you achieve a healthy mind and body while supporting you to live and work in your community.
VISION Building communities of hope where mental and physical health are treated equally
ABOUT COMMUNITY SUPPORT SERVICES
Since 1988, Community Support Services, annually, has provided life-changing services for more than 3,000 individuals living with severe and persistent mental illnesses. The agency offers community-based case management, supported employment, supported housing, assertive community treatment (ACT), counseling, and other wellness promoting services.
Today, Community Support Services also offers healthcare through a primary care clinic, which is open to the community.
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