The Newport County Community Mental Health Center, Inc. is governed by a Board of Directors who identify the mission, maintain fiduciary responsibility, and set policy for the organization. The Board conducts an Annual Meeting, and Annual Retreat, and meets on a monthly basis, except in August when the Executive Committee addresses any necessary business.

Board members are expected to not only attend the monthly meetings but also to participate on at least one of the standing committees: Human and Financial Resources; Membership and Nominating; Planning, Services, and Quality Improvement; Fundraising and Community Relations; and Speakers Bureau.

Board members also engage the services of a consultant who conducts an annual retreat at which time a number of functions are performed, to include: (1) Review of the Mission Statement; (2) Review of Strengths and Weaknesses of the organization and the Board; (3) Review of accomplishments and shortfalls; (4) Establishment of goals for the following year; and (5) Review and approval of the NCCMHC Strategic Plan.

In addition, members of the Board are asked to participate in fundraising activities and to attend events that are sponsored by clients or staff. These include holiday functions and celebrations conducted at the Phoenix One Club at the 65 Valley Road, the Health Fair at 65 Valley Road, and the Founders’ Event at the Anita Jackson House, 316 Green Lane, Middletown.  In view of its broad range of responsibilities, Board members have become more and more sophisticated with regard to the requirements that attend to the Joint Commission on Healthcare Accreditation, Health Information, Portability and Accountability Act, and Corporate Compliance.

The Board of Directors met for the NCCMHC 43rd Annual Meeting  at the Best Western/The Mainstay Inn.

From L to R: Joseph R. Palumbo, Jr.; Deanna J. Casey, Treasurer; Dr. Joseph J. Bevilacqua, William E. West, Vice-Chair; Barbara J. Audino, Secretary; Sheila A. Cory, Guest Speaker Dr. Ellen Nelson, MHRH Director, and J. Clement  Cicilline, President & CEO. Not pictured: Paul L. Gaines, Chair, Charles J. Hayes, Joseph T. Houlihan; Dr. Robert J. McKenna; and Honorary Member, Congressman Patrick J. Kennedy.