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Your MHRB Board

The Mental Health and Recovery Board exists to serve the mental health and recovery needs of our community. The Board is established in state law (ORC 340) and is responsible for the development, operation, and supervision of publicly funded mental health and alcohol/drug services in Ashland County. Meet our 14 community volunteers, learn about the responsibilities they fulfill, and discover how you can get involved.

Mary Deeter

BOARD CHAIR

Andrew Kinney

VICE CHAIR

Sara Battison

PLANNING COMMITTEE CHAIR

Chad Brown

FINANCE COMMITTEE CHAIR

Katie Wright

SECRETARY

David C. Ross

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

Nancy Udolph
Cindy Kyser
Connie Butler
Dennis Dyer
Tanya Mounts
Shari Shafer
Ed Kieper
Tom Gaus
Benjamin Key

Board Requirements and Responsibilities

Board member requirements are set by Ohio Revised Code, Section 340.02

All potential board members must:

  • Be an Ashland County resident
  • Attend a minimum of 2 hours of approved training each year
  • Not have a relative working at an agency the Board pays for services
  • Not be absent from 4 meetings per year, or two meetings without prior notice
  • Take an Oath of Office (ORC 3.22)
  • Receive ethics training and be provided copy of the Ohio Ethics Law

All new board members complete a two hour orientation session which includes the required ethics training.

Board Member Responsibilities and Duties

  • Support the Mission, Vision and Values of the Board
  • Attend monthly Board meetings.
  • Attend committee meetings.
  • Attend special Board meetings which may be called if necessary.
  • Prepare for meetings and participate in discussions and decisions.
  • Hire and evaluate the executive director.
  • Set Board policy guidelines for the operation of the Board.
  • Set long-range goals and participate in strategic planning.
  • Approve and monitor the Board budget and agency allocations.
  • Advocate for mental health and alcohol/drug services.
  • Attend a minimum of 2 hours of approved training each year.
  • Represent the Board to the community.

Board Committees and Meeting Schedule

Much of the work done by the board is conducted in committee meetings. All board members are expected to serve on at least one committee. However, committees are not empowered to make decisions on behalf of the Board. Any recommendations made by a committee must be brought before the full Board during a regular business meeting for consideration and approval.

Board meetings take place on the 4th Tuesday of each month. There are no regular Board or committee meetings in July and December. All meetings start at 4:00 p.m. and take place at the Mental Health and Recovery Board office at 1605 County Road 1095, Ashland, Ohio.   Board meetings are open to the public.

The Board has four standing committees:

Joining the MHRB Board

Board members are appointed by one of the following:

  • Ashland County Commissioners (8 appointments)
  • Ohio Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services (4 appointments)

Board members are appointed to four-year terms. A board member may serve two consecutive four-year terms. 

If you are interested in receiving a “Prospective Board Member Packet” to review, have questions or would like more information, please complete Prospective Board Member Interest Form or contact David C. Ross at 419-281-3139 or dross@ashlandmhrb.org