Mental Health Alcohol & Drug Advisory Board

Regular Meetings

Regular meetings shall be held monthly and the time and location of each meeting shall be announced at the meeting immediately preceding. A regular meeting may, for cause, be changed by the Chairperson. Special meetings may be called, consistent, with the Brown Act, by the Chairperson. Notice shall conform with the Government Code Section 54956 (Brown Act). 

Any meeting which at least a quorum (defined as one person more than half of the Board members) cannot attend or for which there is no agenda item requiring Board action, may be canceled by the Chairperson.

Members

Seat
Name
Represents
Term
Appointed By
Expires
1Benjamin CassadyPublic Interest District 33 years
Board of SupervisorsNovember 14, 2026
2Todd HenryPublic Interest - District 13 years
Board of SupervisorsMay 11, 2024
3Claire Buckley
Consumer Member District 53 years
Board of SupervisorsMay 28, 2025
4Tomas EvangelistaPublic Interest Member District 23 years
Board of SupervisorsApril 19, 2025
5Lisa CataldoFamily Member - District 43 years
Board of SupervisorsJune 11, 2025
6Vacant SeatFamily Member - District 53 years
Board of SupervisorsMarch 24, 2023
7Marty GiffinFamily Member - District 13 years
Board of SupervisorsAugust 25, 2026
8Vacant SeatFamily Member - District 13 years
Board of SupervisorsMarch 24, 2023
9Sharon BehernsFamily Member - District 23 years
Board of SupervisorsMay 24, 2025
10Laura SanchezConsumer Member - District 23 years
Board of SupervisorsDecember 15, 2023
11Geoffrey McLennanFamily Member - District 33 yearsBoard of SupervisorsSeptember 13, 2025
12Jim HolmesBoard of SupervisorsBoard PleasureBoard of SupervisorsBoard Pleasure

Composition

One member of the Board of Supervisors or their designee plus 11 members to serve three year terms with no maximum term limit. Upon completion of the second term, a member must vacate the position for one year prior to being eligible for reappointment to the Board. 

  • 50% of the Board must be consumers, parents, spouse, sibling, adult children or significant other of consumers who are or have received county mental health services
  • 20% shall be consumers
  • 20% shall be families of consumers
  • 50% individuals who have experience and knowledge of the mental health system

Proposed members shall be interviewed by a three member Screening Committee appointed by the Chairman. The findings of the Screening Committee shall be presented to the Board in closed session. Candidates shall be selected by a majority of the Mental Health Board, by secret ballot. The Board of Supervisors may accept the recommendation or appoint members of their choice.

Purpose

To review and evaluate the community's mental health, alcohol, and drug needs, services, facilities, and special problems; make recommendations regarding the annual performance contracts between the County and the State, and agreements entered into with providers. Advise the Board of Supervisors, Director of Health and Human Services, and the Director of Adult System of Care regarding mental health programs; approve procedures used to ensure citizen and professional involvement at all stages of the planning process, and educate the public in regards to mental health issues. Submit an annual report to the Board of Supervisors regarding evaluation of current mental health programs and identify consumer and community needs and issues. 

Each Supervisor shall receive an informational report every three to six months from a Board member representing the Supervisors' district. Assess county-wide needs and make recommendations to the Systems of Care and the Board of Supervisors; make recommendations to the Director of Health and Human Services on applicants for the appointment of the Director of Mental Health services.

Conflict of Interest

  • Yes

Compensation

Members shall receive no compensation for their services; however, any member traveling on official business for the Board shall be reimbursed for his/her actual and necessary expense.