|
The Board of Directors represents people from all walks of life, from attorneys and bankers to mental health consumers and retired psychiatric nurses. These dedicated individuals help guide the organization through policy making. The Board works closely with the Executive Director and senior management to determine the direction we take. It works to insure that the finances are in place to meet our goals and objectives. Members are elected to three-year terms. In addition to the Executive Committee, these volunteers currently serve on the following committees:
|
|
|
Members of our Board of Directors
(*Members of the Executive Committee) |
|
| Return to top | |
|
|
|
| Ann Nichols*, Gilford President | |
Ann joined the GBH Board in 2003. She brings over 25 years of experi ence in the financial industry to her position as President. Ann currently serves as Vice President and Laconia Office Manager of the Laconia Savings Bank.
Ann is an active member of several local organizations, including the Laconia Main Street Program and the Belknap County Economic Development Council. She is a graduate of the Leadership Lakes Region program, Class of 2003-2004. In addition to volunteering on the GBH Board, she is active in the American Cancer Society, Make-A-Wish Foundation, the Salvation Army and the Lakes Region United Way. |
|
|
|
|
| Susan Smith*, Gilford Vice President | |
Sue started her career as a registered nurse; today she serves as the Administrator of the Taylor Community, a continuing care retirement community in Laconia. She first joined the GBH Board when she was responsible for the behavioral health services associated with Lakes Region General Hospital. She holds the position of Vice President of the GBH Board and also sits on the Executive Committee.
Sue currently chairs the Belknap County Citizens Council on Children and Families; is a member of the NH Regents Advisory Council of the American College of Healthcare Executives; chairs the Board of Trustees of the Congregational Church of Laconia UCC; is a member of the Gilford Athletic Boosters and the Community Benefit Group. |
|
|
|
|
| Ed McFarland*, Laconia Treasurer | |
| Retired Vice President of Finance at Allen Rogers, Ed McFarland is a life member of the Institute of Management Accountants, the NH Veteran’s Association, and the American Legion. He is also a current member of the Laconia Elks lodge. “I think that my work with Genesis can help people in need of mental health care,” commented Ed. “Mental health issues have not received the attention that they should in the past.” | |
| Return to top | |
|
|
|
| Martha Copithorne, Plymouth Secretary | |
Martha joined the GBH Board in 2002. She is a retired Marital Master of the Belknap County Superior Court.Martha’s interest in mental health issues are part of her family heritage. Both her mother and mother-in-law were social workers and other family members have also worked in the mental health field. She often found that people who appeared before her in court were “partly disabled by mental illness.” “I believe strongly in the inherent worth and dignity of every person. In this region, the mentally ill are particularly marginalized and that saddens me.” |
|
| Return to top | |
|
|
|
| John Chilton, Alton | |
John joined the GBH Board in April 2005. He is interested in worki ng with GBH because “I have a high regard and respect for the work in which GBH is involved and a particular interest in activities designed to improve the behavioral health of young people.
"I also have a keen interest in seeing people recognize that we all experience mental health problems at some stage/s in our lives – and, that when we do, we are able to feel comfortable in seeking professional assistance – and know where to find it!” John works with King Forest Homes, a property and housing developer based in Alton Bay. |
|
| Return to top | |
|
|
|
| Mimi Ford, Rumney | |
|
Mimi joined the GBH Board in April 2005. A retired school teacher with 38 years of service, Mimi spent 15 years as the Resource Teacher at Plymouth Elementary School. Mimi has volunteered with Habitat for Humanity and served on the
 Executive Board of Whole Village in Plymouth. In addition to serving on the GBH Board, she currently sits on the Board of Plymouth Area Community Closet and also volunteers with Project Care.
Mimi's classroom experience convinced her of the importance of appropriate services for people with mental challenges. "GBH is an important part of improving the lives of those folks," she adds. |
|
| Return to top | |
|
|
|
| Kathleen (Katie) Hedberg, Plymouth | |
Katie is a Family Nurse Practitioner at Plymouth OB/GYN, a boa rd member of the Plymouth School District and a volunteer at the Plymouth Regional Free Clinic. A graduate of Boston College, she received a Master of Science in Nursing, Family Nurse Practitioner from the University of New Hampshire. When asked about her interest in mental health issues and the work that GBH does, she replied, “As a primary care practitioner in the region I see the impact that mental health issues have on almost every family. Many of these families do not know where to turn and we need a strong mental health system to provide care.” |
|
| Return to top | |
|
|
|
| Helen Holbrook, Laconia | |
Helen has had a life-long interest in mental health, from her years as a psychiatric nurse at New Hampshire Hospital to serving as one of the original Board members of the mental health center. Now, nearly 40 years later she once again serves on the Board, sharing her knowledge, enthusiasm and deep commitment to the mental health field with everyone she encounters.
“I have been involved with mental health issues over the years and…realize the importance of the services of GBH BH to youth and those who need support for both mental and emotional problems. I am honored to be a Board member of GBH and proud of the progress we have made over these past years.” |
|
| Return to top | |
|
|
|
| Paul Levesque, Gilmanton | |
|
Paul is currently serving his second term on the GBH Board. As a Paul volunteers in the greater community, serving as a trustee of trust fund and on the zoning board in Gilmanton, as well as with St. Vincent De Paul and on the Pastoral Council of St. Joseph Church. His interest in mental health issues strikes close to home; a young family member has autism. |
|
| Return to top | |
|
|
|
| Peter J. Minkow*, Laconia President | |
In addition to being a practicing attorney, base d in Meredith, Peter is a former healthcare administrator. “I…have maintained an interest in healthcare issues throughout my legal career,” he adds. Currently serving in his third term on the GBH Board, Peter is Immediate Past President of the Board and serves on the Executive Committee.
During his tenure as president in 2001, Peter led GBH during the search for an executive director. That search eventually brought Michael Coughlin to GBH. Today, Peter and the executive director work together with Board and staff to continue strengthening the organization. |
|
| Return to top | |
|
|
|
| John Rogers, Gilford | |
| A long time resident of Gilford, John Rogers has proven himself to be dedicated not only to the Lakes Region, but to the mental health community.
John currently sits on the board of the Lakes Region Mental Health Foundation as well as the Laconia Regional Board of Directors of Child and Family Services. In addition, John volunteers his time with the Lakes Region Charitable Foundation and other organizations dedicated to the betterment of our community. John is a member of the Genesis Behavioral Health advisory council and a former member of the GBH Board of Directors. |
|
| Return to top | |
|
|
|
| Peter Russell, Meredith | |
Peter rejoined the Board in April  2005, after serving on the Board and as President in the 1990s. Peter is a municipal consultant and is retired from the position of Meredith Town Manager.He has been active in Leadership New Hampshire and has served as a Board member at LRGHealthcare. He is also active in Meredith’s Trinity Episcopal Church and the Rotary Club. |
|
| Return to top | |
| Susan Stearns, Sanbornton | |
| Susan Stearns, a long time resident of the Lakes Region, has served many non-profit organizations including the Sanbornton Congregational Church, the New Hampshire Coalition to Prevent Elder Abuse, and the Bread and Roses Soup Kitchen. Susan was appointed to the NH Task Force on Family Law by Governor Jeanne Shaheen in 2002 and served as a member of the Genesis Plymouth Advisory Board until 2000. | |
| Return to top | |
|
|
|
| Dr. Beth Taylor, Gilford
Dr. Beth Taylor, a graduate of the University Of Vermont College Of Medicine, has cared for the Lakes Region for nearly ten years. She has served on the Rural Health Task Force and is a member of the New Hampshire Medical Society. As an emergency room physician at Franklin Regional Hospital, Lakes Region General Hospital, and Huggins Hospital in Wolfeboro, Beth has seen first hand the impacts of mental health issues on patients. “The work done by the agency makes a positive difference in our community and I am proud to be part of GBH.” |
|
| Return to top | |
|
|
|
| Russ Thibeault, Laconia | |
Russ is the President of Applie d Economic Research, an economic and real estate consulting firm he founded in |
|
| Return to top | |
retired accountant, his professional expertise is a strong addition to Finance Committee discussions and decisions.