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About Mental Health

Contact:  Chris Rasmussen,
NAMI SMC Board President
chris@namaisanmateo.org

April 12th, 2023

National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), San Mateo County (San Mateo) Announces New Executive Director

San Mateo, CA. It is with great pride the San Mateo County chapter of the National Alliance on Mental Illness announces Robert Taylor as our new Executive Director, effective April 17th, 2023. Robert brings many years of experience in Nonprofit Leadership, Business Development, Sales Management, Business Administration, Project/Operations Management, Strategic Partnerships, Mental Health Programs, and a passion for increasing mental health awareness in our community.

As Executive Director, Robert will be responsible for the overall development and strategic planning that increases awareness of mental health challenges within our communities, driving business development, providing support programs for our community, financial management, Board and community relations, and fundraising opportunities.

Robert will lead a team focused on expanding mental health services, membership enrollment, and increased programming based on the needs of our community.

During the pandemic, NAMI San Mateo has stabilized and increased the programs we offer, reorganized much of the internal structure of NAMI San Mateo, and conducted an exhaustive executive director search. The search committee and the board of directors unanimously believe Robert is a great fit and will take the organization to a new level to support, advocate and educate on behalf of the 1 in 4 affected by mental health issues. Although this has been a time of transition, it has also been of expansion and NAMI San Mateo services have rebounded after the pandemic to serve many more county residents. NAMI San Mateo has embraced peer-based services while continuing its dedication to the family unit.

“I’m very excited to join NAMI San Mateo County. NAMI is a wonderful organization that provides support, education, and advocacy for people and their families. I’m honored to be part of the NAMI San Mateo team,” said Robert.

“Robert is an excellent fit for NAMI San Mateo. He brings a depth of knowledge and talent to challenge and support our staff, generate new funding sources, and guide us to a new and exciting future,” said newly elected Board President Chris Rasmussen. “The Board would like to thank our tremendously dedicated staff, volunteers, affiliates, donors, and partners for their unwavering patience and dedication to NAMI’s mission. The board would also like to thank Leslie Davis, Interim Executive Director, for her leadership, caring dedication, and professionalism as she filled several roles during this critical time in the organization. Lastly, I would like to personally commend current board members Dr. Jennifer Harrison, John Butler, Bridget Mannix, and Kate Phillips for their dedication to the Board and to NAMI San Mateo.”

The Board of Directors recently appointed Chris Rasmussen as President and added two new Board Members to fill vital roles. Kim Gariépy as Treasurer and John Paye as a Board Member. With these appointments, the Board of Directors is confident and committed to bringing renewed momentum and focus to our mission. Leslie Davis will return to her permanent role as Operations and Grants Director.

As a formidable grassroots mental health organization delivering advocacy, education, and support in the state, NAMI San Mateo is dedicated to building better lives for everyone impacted by mental health concerns. Incorporated in 1979, The San Mateo Chapter of the National Alliance on Mental Illness engages with leaders and community partners at all levels to improve the state’s mental health system through collaboration and education. Learn more at namisanmateo.org.


About National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), San Mateo County – Visit www.namisanmateo.org NAMI SMC is a is a 501(c)3 organization dedicated to improving the quality of life for people with mental illness and their families through support, education and advocacy.


Sincerely,
NAMI SMC

NAMI San Mateo County
1730 So. Amphlett Blvd, Ste, 308
San Mateo, CA 94402
Office: 650-638-0800
Website: www.namisanmateo.org