AUBURN – Christopher P. Copeland will replace J. Gregory Shea as executive director of Tri-County Mental Health Services when Shea retires July 2.

Copeland was appointed by the agency’s board in April. Shea’s retirement plans were accepted by the board last June. Copeland has been with Tri-County for a decade. He was program director for the past six years.

Tri-County serves people with mental illness, development disabilities and substance abuse problems.

“The strong field of candidates from which Chris emerged as the appointee reflects the organization’s strengths, as well as the energy, vision and strength that Chris brings to the position,” said board President Luanne Rhoades.

The agency, which offers dozens of programs, serves more than 7,000 people and families annually.

“The board and staff have worked diligently over the past several years to assure that we are providing the best possible care in the field and that we are maximizing opportunities for those who need our services to receive them in a timely way,” said Copeland. He said he’s looking forward to improving the delivery of those services.

Shea called it a privilege to serve people in the region served by the agency for the past three decades. He joined Tri-County as executive director in 1974. In that time, he said, “The changes have been enormous and positive. Tri-County is poised for continuous improvement in its services and its access to them,” Shea said.