Title
Adopt a resolution to:
Confirm the appointment of Melanie Rhodes as the permanent Bureau Chief and Director of Behavioral Health for the County of Monterey Health Department.
Report
RECOMMENDATION:
It is recommended that the Board of Supervisors adopt a resolution to:
Confirm the appointment of Melanie Rhodes as the permanent Bureau Chief and Director of Behavioral Health for the County of Monterey Health Department.
SUMMARY/DISCUSSION:
Melanie Rhodes, LMFT, LPCC, CCISM, has served County of Monterey residents in a variety of roles during her 20-year tenure with the County of Monterey Behavioral Health Bureau. In February of 2025 she was appointed Acting Bureau Chief and Director of the County of Monterey Behavioral Health Bureau to fill the vacancy created by the retirement of the former director. After an open and competitive recruitment process, Ms. Rhodes was selected as the permanent Bureau Chief and Director effective May 3, 2025.
The Behavioral Health Bureau is one of seven bureaus/divisions of the County of Monterey Health Department. Pursuant to Welfare and Institutions Code Section 5600 the Behavioral Health Bureau provides a continuum of prevention, diagnostic, treatment and community services to children, adolescents, and adults with severe mental illness, substance use disorder, and co-occurring conditions, both county-operated and community-based.
The Director of Behavioral Health serves as the Behavioral Health Bureau Chief and reports directly to the Director of Health Services. The Director of Behavioral Health leads all aspects of operations and provides leadership to a workforce of 509 employees, ensuring the delivery of high-quality services to the community and prudent management of the bureau’s resources. In addition, the Behavioral Health Director is responsible for strategy and goal setting in adherence with all applicable rules and regulations and in compliance with the County’s and Health Department’s mission to deliver services equitably across the county.
Ms. Rhodes is an experienced professional committed to public service, and to improve the lives of those living with behavioral health conditions. Her experience and long tenure with the Behavioral Health Bureau, and the strong partnerships she has built in the community throughout her career will serve her well as she assumes her role as Director of Behavioral Health.
OTHER AGENCY INVOLVEMENT:
The Office of the County Counsel has reviewed the report and concurs with the recommendation.
FINANCING:
There is no impact to the General Fund from this action. The costs associated with this appointment are included in the Behavioral Health Bureau’s (023-8410-HEA012) FY 2024-25 and FY 2025-26 Adopted Budgets.
BOARD OF SUPERVISORS STRATEGIC INITIATIVES:
Check the related Board of Supervisors Strategic Initiatives:
☐ Economic Development:
• Through collaboration, strengthen economic development to ensure a diversified and healthy economy.
☐ Administration:
• Promote an organization that practices efficient and effective resource management and is recognized for responsiveness, strong customer orientation, accountability and transparency.
☒ Health & Human Services:
• Improve health and quality of life through County supported policies, programs, and services; promoting access to equitable opportunities for healthy choices and healthy environments in collaboration with communities.
☐ Infrastructure:
• Plan and develop a sustainable, physical infrastructure that improves the quality of life for County residents and supports economic development results.
☐ Public Safety:
• Create a safe environment for people to achieve their potential, leading businesses and communities to thrive and grow by reducing violent crimes.
Prepared by: Misti Hannan, Administrative Secretary-Confidential, 755-4621
Prepared by: Miriam Mendoza, Finance Manager III, 755-4622
Approved by: Elsa Mendoza Jimenez, Director of Health Services, 755-4526
Attachments:
Board Report
Resolution