Retiring directors from the board of Common Ties Mental Heath, from the left, are Mike Smith, Marianne Ireland, Denise Simard, Diane Whiting, and at the podium, Jennifer Rancourt, director of the board.

Common Ties thanks retiring directors

LEWISTON – The Common Ties Mental Health board of directors recently honored several retiring community volunteers for their exemplary service to the board.

Jennifer Rancourt of the board thanked and congratulated the retiring directors from the past two years – directors who attended committee and board meetings, who engaged in discussion and who set the course for the agency’s mission, service, finances, new projects and new directions.

Completing three-year terms were Larry Campbell, who served as treasurer, and Rep. Will Walcott, who served on the agency’s Program Committee. Rancourt also thanked Sandra Anthoine of Auburn and Ed Jawor of Lewiston for their service.

Recognized for six years of service was Terry Clark of Lewiston, who served on the Common Ties Program Committee.

Five retiring directors not only served on the board for six years, but also served as officers of the board, assuming a greater level of responsibility and commitment of time. Marianne Ireland, Diane Whiting and Denise Simard all served as president, with Simard also serving as treasurer and Ann Marie Mullins and Mike Smith as vice presidents and secretaries.

Rancourt said, “Over the past six years, this particular group of people guided the board through strategic planning processes, faithfully stewarding the 10 basic roles and responsibilities of a board, supporting the innovative process of integrating primary and behavioral health care, deliberating demanding budget decisions and providing support and guidance to the agency management team.”

She said, “We, as an organization and as community, have and are still blessed to have such wonderful people serving our board, and thus serving hundreds of people who look to Common Ties for assistance As a newer director, and I know my colleagues all agree, our service on the board has been a most worthwhile experience because these folks provided such consistent and strong leadership.”

Rancourt continued, “Every year the board become stronger and stronger because these leaders asked and expected us to do more, to think more strategically, to think about employees, to always keep the consumer front and center, and to be serious about the high standards and values which have supported this organizations. Please accept this commemorative chair as a symbol of our gratitude to you, your enduring qualities of leadership, and the legacy of excellence you have not only left with us, but which you provided to the healthier people and communities of the Androscoggin.”

Common Ties provides mental health and support services to residents who have a serious mental illness. For more information and to request and access services, call 795-6710.

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