By Sam Mattison
Alabama Political Reporter
The National Alliance on Mental Illness said on Friday that they support Alabama’s new State Commissioner of the Department of Mental Health Lynn Beshear.
“We have worked with Lynn Beshear in her role at Envision 2020, and we look forward to working with her at the department to promote best practices and adequate funding for mental health services,” the National Alliance said.
Governor Kay Ivey said in a statement that she was “honored” to appoint Beshear as Commissioner.
“Through active participation in securing mental health services in the River Region, Lynn understands the complexities of the Department, and the importance of its work on behalf of the people of Alabama,” Ivey said.
In another statement, Beshear said she did not seek the position but was “honored” to serve.
“I am excited to work with Governor Ivey, her Cabinet, the Legislature, and the professionals within the Department of Mental Health, to provide excellent services for Alabamians with mental illness, those who are developmentally delayed, and those who struggle with substance abuse,” Beshear said.
Prior to being appointed, Beshear was the Executive Director and Co-Founder of Envision 20/20. The organization promotes business around the River Region through collaborative efforts between government, business, interested citizens and direct providers of services.
Beshear was appointed to the position after Ivey fired the former Mental Health Commissioner Jim Perdue on Thursday.
Perdue was just part of a group of staffers and cabinet members fired by Ivey on Thursday.
The other cabinet member released was the Commissioner of the Department of Senior Services Neal Morrison. Staff members included Ivey’s scheduling manager, communications director and the Director of Information Technology Joanne Hale.
Ivey said on Thursday she expects this to be the last shakeup in her administration.
