CHILLICOTHE, Ohio — The Paint Valley Alcohol Drug Abuse and Mental Health (ADAMH) Board announced today that Executive Director, Penny Dehner, will retire in April after 18 years of service to the organization. The Board of Directors has selected Melanie Swisher to succeed Dehner as the new Executive Director effective April 8, 2023.
Phyllis Amlin-Snyder, Chair of the Board, spoke highly of Dehner’s leadership and impact during her tenure. “On behalf of the Board of Directors and ADAMH Staff, we want to thank Penny for her leadership and impact over her 18 years with the Board. Director Dehner has strengthened the Board’s position financially by securing the local levy and additional grant dollars. Through her leadership, she has developed a strong strategic plan that focuses on communications, data-driven processes, and client-centered outcomes,” said Amlin-Snyder.
Dehner, who joined the Paint Valley ADAMH Board in 2004 as the Director of Information Management, expressed her pride in the work of the organization and her team. “It has been my honor and privilege to work with the Board of Directors, local partners, stakeholders, and coalitions to serve the residents of our communities needing behavioral health services. I am most proud of the cohesive team of individuals who have the expertise, commitment, and desire to continue to strengthen and improve behavioral health prevention, treatment, and recovery supports. I know the Board’s mission will be in great hands,” said Dehner.
The Executive Director transition begins April 8, 2023, when Melanie Swisher will take over as the new ADAMH Board Executive Director. Swisher, an independently licensed social worker with a supervisory designation, joined the Board as the Associate Director in September of 2017. She expressed her gratitude for the opportunity and her commitment to ensuring the best possible care for the residents of the community. “I want to thank Penny Dehner for her leadership at the ADAMH Board and also the Board for its confidence in me as I step into this role. I have been privileged to work with a great staff at the ADAMH Board for over five years. We will continue to work hard to ensure our residents receive the best continuum of care possible,” said Swisher.
