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 servic...
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