NNews October 2024

38 October 2024 (continued on page 39) (continued from page 37) Get Better Aquainted with the NJAMHAA and NJMHI Board Members Kathy White-Thomas, MS Chief Operating Officer Volunteers of America - Delaware Valley Lou Schwarcz, MA Chief Executive Officer Family and Children’s Service LOU SCHWARCZWAS FIRST ELECTED to the NJAMHAA Board in FY2014. He has been a leader in the social services community in New Jersey for more than 25 years. Lou has created more than 20 newprograms and services KATHYWHITE-THOMAS HAS BEEN serving on the NJAMHAA Board since May 2022. She joined Volunteers of America-Delaware Valley in 2004 as an Operations Coordinator; and was promoted to the role of Assistant Director and then to the position of Vice President of Human Resources before moving into her current role. Kathy holds aMaster of Science degree in Human Services and Social and Community Services from Capella University and certification from County and Associate Executive Director of Family Service of Morris County. He received his MA in Psychology from the University of Maryland. “As a CEO for more than 12 years, serving on the NJAMHAA Board has given me access to other leaders in the community, allowing me to bounce off ideas and get support fromother CEOs and to be more effective as an administrator of my agency,” Lou said. “Networking is extremely valuable, especially since FCS focuses on seniors with disabilities, as well as vulnerable families, and the network of NJAMHAA providers allows me to access important resources for those we serve.” the Society for Human Resource Management. “Serving on the NJAMHAA Board has afforded me the opportunity to hear other voices in the behavioral health field. I have the benefit of learning evidence-based strategies that work and ways to enhance services at my own programs,” Kathy said. “Most importantly, this board of like- minded individuals’ positive energy and determination to serve our communities is awe inspiring.” for people withmental health and addiction challenges, vulnerable seniors and caregivers, military families and veterans, clergy and faith organizations, people with visual impairments, children and adolescents, families impacted by 9/11, and families and young people at high risk in urban, underserved areas. Lou joined Family and Children’s Service (FCS) after serving as CEO of The Bridge, Inc. where he led community-based mental health and substance use services for children, families and adults at risk in Essex and Union Counties. Lou previously served as CEO of the Mental Health Association of Morris