An agency focused on individuals and families is under new leadership.
Julia Payson has been hired as the new executive director of Vernon’s Canadian Mental Health Association, taking over from Sue Rossi who is retiring after three years.
“I am thrilled to be returning to Vernon,” said Payson, who graduated from Vernon Secondary School.
“I look forward to ensuring we continue to advocate for more mental health services in our community to meet the growing need. I will be actively working to promote early intervention and prevention education and programs to better service our community.”
Payson has more than 20 years of non-profit experience, including senior leadership roles with the Canadian Cancer Society and the John Howard Society of B.C. Most recently, she has been the secretariat director for Community Action Initiative, a funding agency focused on building capacity in the mental health and substance use sector.