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Greetings from our President

“EDUCATE, INFORM, AND EMPOWER”

Welcome GACSB Members, Business Partners and Guests!

EDUCATE, INFORM, AND EMPOWER, the theme for this year’s Educational Exchange, speaks not only to the mission of the GACSB and its member organizations, but also to our commitment to developing strong leaders across the state of Georgia in order to make life better in each of our communities! COVID-19 continues to impact us all in our daily lives, both personally and professionally. BUT each of you continue to SHOW UP to make life better for your communities across our state. Your dedication and passion to serve under the pressures of the world should be applauded. The 2021 Educational Exchange is designed to challenge CSBs to learn more about leadership development and self-care as the climate in health care delivery continues to be ever changing and to acquire the knowledge, skills, and resources needed to be a successful behavioral health and developmental disabilities services provider. Kicking things off on Sunday, Chuck Ingoglia, President and CEO of the National Council for Mental Well Being, will paint a picture of the national landscape, which will influence our strategic planning as a network of service providers and individually for CSB Boards with local impact on their communities. I invite each of you to embrace the opportunity to finally see one another “in person”, no Zooming, no virtual platforms needed, meeting friends old and new, as we honor our Business Partners at the Legacy Point Pavilion Sunday evening. Monday morning’s plenary is presented by Commissioner Judy Fitzgerald and DBHDD leadership, which will provide us with Georgia’s healthcare landscape for behavioral health and intellectual/developmental disabilities. Monday will also include a full day of leadership development and resiliency workshops presented by national acclaimed experts. During our plenary luncheon on Monday, we welcome Shaun Golden, speaking to his “Golden Rule”, as we honor the unwavering support and leadership of some true champions. Be sure and review the complete agenda for other plenary sessions and workshops that I am sure you will find influential and impactful! Special thanks are due to our Education and Individual Advocacy Committee for their efforts in creating an exciting and informative agenda: Chair, Dana Glass; Vice Chair, Lesley White; Pam Cartwright, Tammy Conlin, June DiPolito, Dr. Mark Johnson, Melvin Harris, David Kidd, Sherrell Terry, Judge Joe Bishop Dr. Lee Hyer, and Dr. Glyn Thomas. Our Executive Office team of Lyly, Jesse, Cameron and Robyn, turn the committee’s vision into a live and brilliant show year after year. Please take time to notice the changing leaves; Please take time to breathe! There are plenty of amenities to enjoy and activities to experience at beautiful Legacy Lodge. We extend our appreciation to our generous Business Partners for their support and we appreciate our member organizations for attending this annual learning exchange!

Sincerely,

Kent Woerner GACSB President

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