Johnson County Commission set to vote on Tim DeWeese to lead mental health center

The Johnson County Commission is preparing to name Tim DeWeese as the new permanent director of the Mental Health Center — a position that has been open since financial troubles came to a head at the agency about a year ago.

DeWeese has been clinical director at the center since 2013. He served as the center’s director of community support services from 2001 to 2013. If his appointment is approved by commissioners Thursday the hiring will be effective Sept. 28. Salary was still being negotiated.

DeWeese has 20 years experience in various aspects of community mental health, according to biographical information furnished by the county manager’s office. He was chosen from among four finalists.

DeWeese, of Olathe, previously worked at The Guidance Center in Leavenworth and Comprehensive Mental Health Services, Inc. in Independence.

The county mental health center has not had a permanent executive director since Maureen Womack resigned late last year after being placed on administrative leave. At the time, the center was in financial trouble, necessitating a bailout from county reserve funds so the agency could pay its bills through the end of the year.

In the wake of the troubles, the county commission dissolved the mental health governing board, which had been charged with overseeing decisions made by Womack and ensuring the financial health of the center. The commission then appointed itself the mental health board, with power to hire a new director and play a bigger role in operating decision. They also named Assistant County Manager Maury Thompson to temporarily manage the center. Thompson relieved Chad VonAhnen, who took over for 90 days shortly after Womack resigned.

Since then the financial situation at the center has stabilized somewhat. Recent reports from Thompson to the commission have shown that staff morale and productivity is improving and cash flow is starting to pick up.

This story was originally published September 23, 2014 at 5:23 PM with the headline "Johnson County Commission set to vote on Tim DeWeese to lead mental health center."