LEWISTON — Craig Phillips has resigned after 24 years as the executive director of Common Ties Mental Health Services.

On his last day, April 8, the staff celebrated his many years of leadership with a lunch and the gift of a crab apple tree, symbolizing the growth of the agency during his time there.

“I have had the pleasure of working with many to advance the awareness of mental health illnesses and the services and resources which we know to be most valuable and effective to recovery,” he said. “I look forward to new opportunities and partnerships to advance the health and human service needs of our communities. I go forward with the smiling faces and the memories of working with and on behalf of extraordinary people.”

The Common Ties Board has named Pam Allen, former executive director of Seniors Plus, as the interim executive director while it searches for a new leader.  

Phillips’ departure comes at the same time that Common Ties is celebrating 25 years of serving adults in Androscoggin County who suffer with mental illness. Kelsie Orestis and a coalition of people with different backgrounds came together 25 years ago with the vision of forming the agency, which is now called Common Ties Mental Health Services. 

The agency provides many community support services to people who have a mental health illness, through the work of more than 30 employees. The services include community integration, Breaking Free/Co-occurring disorders, medication management, the 100 Pine Street Wellness and Recovery Center, and Housing Resources. 

For more information on Common Ties Mental Health, call 795-6710, visit the website at www.commonties.org or email info@commonties.org.