DeKalb County Community Mental Health Board Executive Committee met Oct. 7

Mary Cozad, County Board Member | DeKalb County

By Philip Gonzales

Nov 7, 2025

DeKalb County Community Mental Health Board Executive Committee met Oct. 7.

Here are the minutes provided by the committee:

Committee Members Present: Perry Maier, Marilyn Stromborg, Meghan Cook

Committee Members Not Present:

Staff Present: Deanna Cada, Heaven Allen

Other Persons Present:

1. Call to Order

Mr. Maier called the 'meeting to order at 6:31 p.m.

2. Agenda

Mr. Maier moved to approve the agenda, seconded by Dr. Stromborg. The motion passed unanimously.

3. Approval of Minutes

Mr. Maier moved to approve the minutes of the September 2, 2025, meeting, seconded by Dr. Stromborg. The motion passed unanimously.

4. Office Report

• HVAC system repaired; temporary unit removed.

• Received a thank-you letter from 4C regarding funding for the Workforce Support Specialist program, which continues to show a positive impact on childcare providers' mental health.

• A Mental Health Board team participated in a recent Trivia Night fundraiser, noting value in board relationship-building.

• Several members attended Nonprofit Day and provided positive feedback on the training, networking, and session content.

• Ms. Cada met with community partners regarding gaps in grief services, particularly for children. A follow-up workgroup will be convened.

• Discussion is underway about a coordinated public messaging response to the recent Sycamore homicide, focused on mental health resources and community awareness.

• The upcoming ACMHB Winter Meeting will be held December 4-5; Heaven and Deanna will attend.

• Upcoming Executive Director absence noted (Thursday- Tuesday, Monday holiday; returning Wednesday).

• A skills matrix for staff was completed to guide professional development and workload balance.

5. Public Comment

There was no public comment.

6. Old Business

A. Capacity Building - New DCCMHB Position Development/Job Description/Skill Matrix- Possible Action Needed - Position will not move forward in 2025 due to budget issues; the staff skills matrix will be used to address needs internally.

7. New Business

A. AI Discussion and possible policy development - Initial discussion on developing a policy acknowledging responsible use of AI by agencies, particularly in grant writing and DCCMHB staff. Committee favors moving forward with policy language that allows use but holds agencies accountable for accuracy.

B. Online AI Chat Safety Conference Ideas - Ms. Cada Combined Bullet Point A &B. Dr. Stromborg is interested in developing training ideas.

C. Core Values and Mission Statement review - Committee discussed revisiting values to ensure alignment with current work and funding decision-making. The Full Board will be asked whether a refresh is needed.

D. Council on Nonprofits Article - Informational update on an Article Ms. Cada found

E. Executive Director & Administrative Assistant Performance Reviews - Ms. Cada shared that the review process will begin in November, per policy.

F. 2026 Meeting Dates - Shared for informational purposes

8. One-Year/Three-Year Plan update-

A. Impact Committee Updates

B. CEBİB Updates

i. Ms. Cada provided the minutes for the last meeting for informational purposes.

C. Suicide Prevention

ii. Moved Art Show to November

9. Next Executive Committee Meeting Date: November 4, 2025, at 6:30 p.m.

10. Adjournment

The meeting was adjourned.