MHARS Board of Directors Selects New FY 2022 Executive Leadership
At its regular monthly meeting on June 24, the Mental Health, Addiction and Recovery Services (MHARS) Board of Lorain County’s board of directors selected new leadership for the 2022 Fiscal Year. They will assume their roles beginning on July 1, 2021.
“Congratulations to the board of directors’ officers on their leadership roles. We thank them for their continued support of the MHARS Board,” said Executive Director Michael Doud. “I look forward to working with them as we continue our important work throughout Lorain County.”
The new executive leadership team includes:
- Daniel Urbin, Chairperson: Daniel T. Urbin, an Avon Lake resident, served as a Board Member of the former Alcohol & Drug Addiction Services (ADAS) Board and Lorain County Mental Health Board (LCMHB) before their merger as the MHARS Board. Urbin has 38 years of experience working with individuals on their journeys to recovery. His previous experience also includes work with the Lorain County Court of Common Pleas Drug Court, Prison Ministry and as a Board Member of Lorain/Medina Community Based Correctional Facility (CBCF). He is a Certified Peer Supporter, attended the National Conference for Addiction in Washington DC and is past President of Leadership Lorain County.
- Regan Phillips, Vice Chairperson: Regan Phillips, of North Ridgeville, is the City of Elyria’s Executive Administrator for the Council Clerk’s Office. Prior to her position with the City, she had extensive experience with nonprofit organizations including Habitat for Humanity and the YWCA, where she served as Program Director. She currently serves as the President of the African American Community Fund, an affiliate fund of the Community Foundation of Lorain County. Phillips currently serves as the Lorain Section National Council of Negro Women President and previously served as 2nd Vice President for the NAACP. In addition, she has served on numerous boards including Leadership Lorain County, Elyria Kiwanis and the Urban League Guild. She enjoys spending time with her husband, Steve, and her daughter, Angel.
- Dr. Denise Eacott, Secretary: Dr. Denise Eacott, a Lorain resident, is the owner of Mindful Wellness Psychological Services, LLC in Amherst. She is a licensed psychologist with 20 years of experience in psychology and counseling throughout Northeast Ohio. She is a graduate of Cleveland State University (CSU), from which she earned her Bachelor of Arts in Psychology, Master of Arts in Clinical/Counseling Psychology and her Doctorate in Urban Education with a specialization in counseling. Dr. Eacott’s previous volunteer work includes service on the former Lorain County Board of Mental Health, CSU’s Counseling Center and CSU Student Life’s advisory committee.
- David Ashenhurst, Chief Governance Officer: David Ashenhurst, of Oberlin, will continue his role as the MHARS Board of Directors Chief Governance Officer. He is the founder and president of the nonprofit Oberlin By Design, Inc. He has extensive experience in the realm of nonprofit administration with the Pew Charitable Trusts, the John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation and Rotary International. Ashenhurst is also a past member of the Oberlin City Council and former executive director of the Nord Family Foundation. Highlights of his volunteer experience include work with the former Lorain County Board of Mental Health, the American Civil Liberties Union, Lorain County Board of Elections, Friends of Oberlin Underground Railroad Center, Inc. and Ohio Citizen Action.
In addition, the MHARS Board staff and its board of directors thank outgoing members Brandon Bobbitt and Dr. Tracey Frierson for their service to the board. Their terms will expire June 30, 2021. At the June 24 meeting, Mike Babet was sworn in, replacing the position to be vacated by Dr. Frierson. The Membership Committee of the Board of Directors is working to fill the position left by Bobbitt.
