Governing Board - Highland Rivers

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.

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.

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.

Past Governing Board Meeting Minutes

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

Fannin County

FY25 Board Meeting Dates