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EMBATTLED AGENCY
Search for new SEABHS head under way
Thelma Grimes/San Pedro Valley News-Sun
The Southeastern Arizona Behavioral Health Services, Inc. (SEABHS) has started the process to find a new company CEO to replace Dana Johnson, who was terminated by the board last month.
Johnson, a 14-year CEO, is being investigated by the Arizona Attorney General's office for misuse of funds. SEABHS is conducting its own investigation into whether or not Johnson has been making required payments to repay a $150,000 loan she received in 2004.
Johnson was with SEABHS for 19 years total.
Currently, Jim Rubio is serving as the acting CEO while the board decides how to move forward with the search for a new company leader.
During Wednesday's monthly meeting, the board discussed four options on how to proceed.
A four-member committee appointed by the board presented a report showing the costs of conducting a regional, state or internal search.
One option presented was to spend up to $62,150 to hire the Meyers Group to conduct the search.
According to the document obtained by the News-Sun, hiring a third-party entity to conduct the search would not only be costly, but it would also limit SEABHS' participation.
The least expensive method would be an internal search that is estimated to last 10 weeks for $5,500. An internal search would also be the quickest method.
The third option presented is to conduct a regional search, would could take up to 13 weeks and cost $35,500.
This method would narrow the search to the Southwest region and bordering states. The estimated costs would cover company time, relocation costs, board travel and advertising.
A similar method being proposed is to conduct a state search that would require ads to be placed in major regional centers. The estimated cost to conduct a statewide search is $33,000.
Marcelino Verona Jr., a board member out of Nogales, complimented the committee for the cost analysis, stating the next step will be producing a request for proposals.
Dick Hamilton, a board member out of Benson, said SEABHS needs to move forward quickly, noting they shouldn't wait six months to hire a new CEO.
Verona disagreed, stating the board should take its time while noting the company is in good hands under acting CEO Rubio.
Board Chairman Tim Sikkema agreed, stating it should be a "thoughtful process."
After a short discussion, the board did not take a vote on which method to use, but directed the committee to create requests for proposals, which will specify the job requirements.
SEABHS provides mental health services at eight facilities that stretch across Cochise, Greenlee, Graham and Santa Cruz counties.
Thelma Grimes/San Pedro Valley News-Sun
The Southeastern Arizona Behavioral Health Services, Inc. (SEABHS) has started the process to find a new company CEO to replace Dana Johnson, who was terminated by the board last month.
Johnson, a 14-year CEO, is being investigated by the Arizona Attorney General's office for misuse of funds. SEABHS is conducting its own investigation into whether or not Johnson has been making required payments to repay a $150,000 loan she received in 2004.
Johnson was with SEABHS for 19 years total.
Currently, Jim Rubio is serving as the acting CEO while the board decides how to move forward with the search for a new company leader.
During Wednesday's monthly meeting, the board discussed four options on how to proceed.
A four-member committee appointed by the board presented a report showing the costs of conducting a regional, state or internal search.
One option presented was to spend up to $62,150 to hire the Meyers Group to conduct the search.
According to the document obtained by the News-Sun, hiring a third-party entity to conduct the search would not only be costly, but it would also limit SEABHS' participation.
The least expensive method would be an internal search that is estimated to last 10 weeks for $5,500. An internal search would also be the quickest method.
The third option presented is to conduct a regional search, would could take up to 13 weeks and cost $35,500.
This method would narrow the search to the Southwest region and bordering states. The estimated costs would cover company time, relocation costs, board travel and advertising.
A similar method being proposed is to conduct a state search that would require ads to be placed in major regional centers. The estimated cost to conduct a statewide search is $33,000.
Marcelino Verona Jr., a board member out of Nogales, complimented the committee for the cost analysis, stating the next step will be producing a request for proposals.
Dick Hamilton, a board member out of Benson, said SEABHS needs to move forward quickly, noting they shouldn't wait six months to hire a new CEO.
Verona disagreed, stating the board should take its time while noting the company is in good hands under acting CEO Rubio.
Board Chairman Tim Sikkema agreed, stating it should be a "thoughtful process."
After a short discussion, the board did not take a vote on which method to use, but directed the committee to create requests for proposals, which will specify the job requirements.
SEABHS provides mental health services at eight facilities that stretch across Cochise, Greenlee, Graham and Santa Cruz counties.
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| Former SEABHS worker charged with embezzlement |
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The following are comments from the readers. In no way do they represent the view of bensonnews-sun.com.
cdg wrote on Dec 17, 2009 9:38 PM:
" Why not just shutdown SEABHS. Other than a venue for embezzlement and perks for highly-compensated executives, it provides no useful service. "
Larry wrote on Dec 19, 2009 10:12 AM:
" The entire board needs to be booted. They have been sitting on their hands and enjoying the perks while doing nothing. SHAME, SHAME. All that money down the drain that could have been used for patients care. Every board member should apologize and then terminate themselves. "
concerned wrote on Dec 16, 2009 11:13 AM:
as new CEO is just another example of
corprate waste. If some who fits the requirements and wants the position,
shouldnt get money to relocate, hire off the internet it's free, save the money for client programs. the programs offered now are a joke. SEABHS needs to stop waisting funds on corprate fat cats, and
spend the money on helping your SMI clients. "