As far as good runs go, Mark Graham’s 30-plus years as CEO of the local Canadian Mental Health Association branch is well worthy of our attention.
As announced last year, Graham retired this week, having overseen an organization that’s grown to almost 200 employees with an operating budget of close to $19 million. When Graham started back in 1992, CMHA had 28 employees and a $1.2 million operating budget.
Graham says he has been “blessed” to lead CMHA through years of significant growth and change.
Graham admits to mixed feelings in leaving an organization he’s guided and is so passionate about.
Graham says being surrounded by “good people” was key to CMHA’s advancement.
Graham says resolving the local family doctor shortage, better addressing the opioid poisoning crisis, and increasing affordable and safe housing have to be “front and centre” priorities moving forward.
Meanwhile, the search for Graham’s successor continues.
(Written by: Paul Rellinger)