On April 29, the WellPower honored Barbara Ford, LMFT, CAC III with a plaque commemorating her invaluable service as a member, officer and past chair of the Board of Directors. She has fulfilled her third and final term on the board

Barbara joined the Board in 2004, a time when the WellPower was far less robust and secure in its programming and finances. Barbara’s combination of training and professional experience in both public administration and as a mental health clinician ideally equipped her to make immediate and far-reaching contributions to the Mental Health Center f Denver. As a member of the Nominating Committee, she contributed to the board’s increased professionalism and diversity.. As chair of the Program Committee, she energetically worked to enhance the organization’s success by measuring outcomes, and  defining optimal relationships between quality assurance, planning, and needs assessment. As Board chair, she guided the development and implementation of the organization’s strategic plan, which integrated and synchronized program development, marketing, management and fund development.

The enduring legacy Barbara has left is a board culture that recognizes and supports leadership, management excellence, innovation, and evidence-based practice. Her leadership on the board contributed to the WellPower’s emergence as a National Center of Excellence that applies a recovery focus to the individuals, children and families living with or at risk of serious mental illness and emotional disorders.

For her part, Barbara has stated that her service on the board has been an honor “and a source of pride forever.”