(Editor’s Note: The following information was submitted to the Patriot by Central Minnesota Mental Health Center).
Central Minnesota Mental Health Center (CMMHC) has named Jessica Brandon as its new Executive Director.
Jessica is a Minnesota native with over 20 years of leadership experience in nonprofit social service agencies, with the last 10 years as CEO of Guardian Angel Settlement Association in St. Louis. She will begin in her new role as CMMHC’s Executive Director April 18, 2022.
“The Board of Directors of Central Minnesota Mental Health Center is excited to have Jessica Brandon become the new Executive Director,” said Lisa Fobbe, current Board Chair. “With our new building and the implementation of the Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinic funding system, we have many positive challenges ahead. We look forward to Jessica’s leadership as we continue to foster healthy lives and thriving communities.”
Jessica is a graduate of Minnesota State University, Mankato, receiving her BS in Psychology and Women’s Studies and MS in Community Counseling. She also received her MBA from Southern Illinois University. Her executive leadership career spans across the country, including executive leadership roles at domestic violence prevention and advocacy agencies.
“I am very pleased to be returning to Minnesota, and to be assuming the role of Executive Director of Central Minnesota Mental Health Center,” Brandon stated. “CMMHC performs vital work for the community, and I look forward to working with the dedicated Board and staff of the agency to advance the organization’s mission.”
“Knowing the changes taking place in our community and organization, we looked for an experienced non-profit executive who could lead CMMHC through the growth and transformation that we see in our future,” said Steve Bresnahan, Board member and chair of the search committee. “With the assistance of CohenTaylor Executive Search Services, we looked widely across the country and across the nonprofit, health care and mental health services spectrum for CMMHC’s next leader. Jessica has those qualities of leadership and experience that we desired.”
The Board of Directors wishes to thank Dr. John Eggers for serving as the interim executive director over the past few months to lead CMMHC during the transition.
About CMMHC
CMMHC is a nonprofit community-based mental health center that has been serving the community since 1959. The organization serves over 10,000 people of all ages each year through 17 different service lines in the counties of Benton, Sherburne, Stearns, and Wright.
