Drone photo of Marietta, GA

Highland Rivers Behavioral Health is governed by a 18-member governing board that includes a representative from every county in the agency’s service area. They are appointed by county leadership, primarily by each county’s respective Board of Commissioners.

Corner of Church St., in Elijay, GA

The board has an executive committee who are selected by board members, and two standing committees: corporate compliance and finance. Members serve three-year terms, and terms are staggered to ensure continuity of governance.

Marietta Square fountain

Highland Rivers Behavioral Health’s board meets every other month (six times each year). As a quasi-governmental state agency, we are subject to Open Meetings and all Governing board meetings are open to the public and announced in advance. The full governing board meets beginning at 9:30 a.m.

Flower Highland Rivers Behavioral Health FY2025 Governing Board

The Highland Rivers Behavioral Health governing board includes individuals who have family members with mental illness, addictive disease or developmental disabilities, as well as representatives from the judicial system, family services, private industry, law enforcement, local government. and healthcare services.

Tonya Riddick

Chair

Finance Manager, FREEDOM Tax & Financial Services, Retired

Founder, Smile Up Charitable Foundation

Cherokee County

Mary Ghorley

Vice Chair

Director of Risk Management
Piedmont Mountainside Hospital

Pickens County

Dr. Michael McElveen

Secretary

Assistant Dean of Student Wellness
Berry College

Floyd County

Lori Rakes

Treasurer

CEO, Piedmont Cartersville Medical Center

Bartow County

Steve Grimsley

Paulding County Deputy Clerk

Paulding County

Chuck Kirby

Captain, Gordon County Sheriff’s Office

Gordon County

Dr. John Fuchko, III

President Dalton State College

Whitfield County

Michael Register

Director, Cobb County Department of Public Safety

Cobb County

Dr. Brian Hightower

Behavioral Health Advocate

Cherokee County

Dr. Carol Holtz

Kennesaw State University, Retired

Cobb County

Jimmy Davenport

Sheriff, Murray County Sheriff’s Office

Murray County

Vacant

Floyd County

Chinwe Okoronkwo

Behavioral Health Advocate

Cobb County

Leland Johnson

Behavioral Health Advocate

Gilmer County

Karen Sparks

Behavioral Health Advocate

Haralson County

Connor Hooper

Asst. County Manager

Polk County

Pete Quinones

President/CEO METRO Atlanta Ambulance Service

Cobb County

Vacant

Fannin County

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