Chief Executive Officer – CMHAM – Community Mental Health Association of Michigan
Page Restricted to: Members

Chief Executive Officer

Agency Name: Wellvance

Agency Contact: Tracy Zehnder

  • Position Type: Full Time
  • Job Type: Permanent
  • County: Iosco
  • Salary Range: $ 130,000-$165,000 (DOQ) per Year
  • Send applications to: https://www.rehmann.com/career-listings/?p=job/opElvfwD&__jvst=Internal&__jvsd=svniPiwM&__jvsc=email&mid=n1HA1zxo&nl=1
  • Please include your resume when applying.

Job Opportunity: Chief Executive Officer
At Wellvance, we believe that everyone deserves the opportunity to live a full and enriching life, no matter the challenges they face. Founded with the vision of providing holistic and progressive care, Wellvance is dedicated to serving individuals with Intellectual and/or Developmental Disabilities, Adults with Serious Persistent Mental Illness, Children with Serious Emotional Disturbance, and Individuals with Substance Use Disorders.
Our mission is to empower each client in Iosco, Ogemaw, and Oscoda Counties to achieve their highest potential through tailored therapies, innovative support systems, and a compassionate community, ensuring fiscal responsibility while focusing on integrating the latest research and proven methodologies to offer a pathway toward personal growth and well-being.
Wellvance employs 225 dedicated professionals who are committed to providing high-quality mental health services to the community. Annually, the organization serves approximately 3,000 individuals, ensuring access to essential care and support. Wellvance operates offices in Iosco, Ogemaw, and Oscoda counties, maintaining a strong local presence to effectively meet the needs of those we serve.
Why Join Us?
Transform lives as a visionary leader in a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to guide a dynamic, mission-driven organization dedicated to providing vital mental health services to underserved populations. As CEO, you will lead a team of passionate professionals committed to making a lasting impact on individuals, families, and communities. This role offers the chance to drive meaningful change, ensuring that those who need support receive compassionate, high-quality care.
We are seeking a mission-driven leader who thrives in purpose-driven environments, values innovation, and is committed to advancing community health. The ideal candidate will combine strategic vision with hands-on leadership, shaping the agency’s future by strengthening partnerships, securing sustainable funding, and expanding access to critical mental health services. As the face of Wellvance, you will play a key role in influencing policy, inspiring stakeholders, and enhancing our reputation as a trusted community mental health organization.
This position is designed for a leader who is not only visionary but also deeply engaged in execution—someone who understands the power of collaboration, advocacy, and sustainable growth. The CEO will be responsible for driving financial stability, fostering donor relationships, and ensuring that Wellvance remains a cornerstone of mental health support in the community. If you are ready to take on a role that is as rewarding as it is impactful, we invite you to explore this incredible opportunity to lead with purpose and leave a lasting legacy.

If you’re ready to bring your vision and passion to Wellvance, apply today and help us make a lasting difference!
Salary: $ 130,000-$165,000 (DOQ)
Full-Time FLSA Exempt
Location: (Onsite)Tawas City, Michigan
Applications will be accepted until February 28, 2025.

JOB SUMMARY
The Chief Executive Officer (CEO) is in full charge of Wellvance operations, budgets, programs and personnel as delegated and authorized by the Board of Directors and in accordance with general policy guidelines, applicable governmental regulation, contracts, and the provisions of the Mental Health Code, as it exists and may be amended. This entails the full administration of and responsibility for all employed, contracted, and volunteer personnel; the supervision of assembling of funds and of their allocation for budget approved expenditures; the development and management of external relations with relevant public and private agencies, state and national associations, most especially with state and county government officials; public information and education programs needed to explain both services offered and the cost of services; and to make or obtain all required and appropriate reports requested and required by the Board, State, and Federal government.
In addition to the mandated responsibilities, the CEO must be concerned with the long-term and short-term planning of program and funding, must keep informed of new developments in the field, and should engage in data development and analysis to study and understand trends, and develop and lead meaningful responses that sustain and support recovery. The CEO is an advocate for Community Mental Health and shall stay informed, engaged and lead initiatives that support and sustain the mission of Wellvance.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Either directly or through oversight, the Chief Executive Officer:
• Assesses and understands the needs of the priority population as they exist in Iosco, Ogemaw, and Oscoda counties.
• Develops and sustains high quality programs, implementing best practice models where feasible, and establishes outcomes measurement methods to understand the value and impact of programs offered in sustaining and supporting recovery.
• Secures and manages funding in a compliant and prudent manner to maximize treatment and supports.
• Leads the development of staffing patterns, personnel management, recruitment strategies, and staff training and evaluation practices that sustains a well-qualifies and sufficient workforce.
• Keeps the Board of Directors informed of the progress of Wellvance in respect to the above in a manner consistent with expectations set forth in the Board Policy Manual and in respect to other developments as they present.
• Maintains an appropriate relationship with the respective county Boards of Commissioners and the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services.
• Ensures a communications interface is maintained with probate courts, social services agencies, schools, law enforcement, emergency management departments, and other state and local private and public human services agencies.
• Attends all meeting of the Board of Directors and its Committees unless excused by the Chairperson of the Board of Directors.
• Serves, on behalf of the Board, as a liaison, member, advisor, or other appropriate position which enhances the overall purpose and behavioral health service at the local, regional, state, and federal levels. This includes serving on committees and the Board of Michigan Mental Health Association, and similar bodies. Such activities should be reported to the Board.
• Consults with board regarding new policy issues and concerns on a regular basis. Develops and recommends public policy. Carries out the duties of the job in accordance with established policy, board directives and the implementation of procedures and protocols.
• Works closely with Board of Directors to keep them informed of the state of Behavioral Health on critical issues relating to Wellvance, such as regulatory or statutory changes, as well as annual appropriations.
• Recommends yearly budget for the Board of Directors’ approval and manages organization’s resources within those budget guidelines according to current laws and regulations.
• Collaborates with the Board of Directors, develops long-term and short-term strategies and plans that set clear goals, timelines, and priorities for Wellvance as a whole; ensures timely and steady progress toward strategic objectives.
• Administers the program in accordance with the Medicaid contract with the Northern Michigan Regional Entity (the PIHP) and the General Fund contract with the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services.
• Executes and implements all contractual agreements with other agencies within the authority granted by the Board.
• Submits data and other reports to the NMRE and MDHHS within established deadlines.
• Coordinates the agency’s media and public relations activities including speaking to community groups, maintaining relationships with medial and writing and speaking on a variety of subjects to educate, advocate and promote Community Mental Health services.
• Protects and promotes recipient rights and regulatory compliance with reporting requirements established by the Michigan Mental Health Code and procedures of the Board.
• Provides vision, inspiration, motivation and leadership that support and foster the culture of trust, respect and transparency within Wellvance.
• Other Duties as assigned by the Board.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES
1. Responsible for the supervision of all Wellvance employees; this direct function may be delegated by design as reflected on the Agency’s organizational chart.
2. Directly supervises the Chief Clinical Officer, Chief Quality Officer, Chief Financial Officer, Chief Information Officer, Recipient Rights Officer, and the Board Secretary.
3. Responsible for the overall direction, coordination, and evaluation of all units.
4. Carries out supervisory responsibilities in accordance with Wellvance’s policies and applicable laws.
5. Responsible for the hiring, training, evaluation, discipline, and termination of all employees.
6. Responsible for addressing and resolving complaints and resolving problems either directly or indirectly.
7. Solely responsible for the administration, application, and interpretation of Board Policy.

QUALIFICATIONS
Must be able to successfully perform essential duties, and to do so by exercising knowledge, skill, tact, and expertise in a manner consistent with the mission of the Board, and in a manner compliant with law and regulation. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.

Education: Master’s degree from an accredited institution in a relevant clinical discipline, health administration, or public administration.

Experience: Minimum of 3 years of professional experience in management and 1 year of experience in the management of human services program. Prefer five years of successful supervisory and administrative experience in behavioral health and leadership settings. Knowledge of/experience with funding mechanisms, State and Federal Medicaid regulations, contract management, and data analysis is required. Must be well informed of trends and emerging trends in the field and must be able to express the same to Board, staff, and stakeholders in both written and oral forms. Experience as a member of Board of Directors or in working with a Board of Directors is valued and preferred.

OTHER REQUIREMENTS
• A valid Michigan driver’s license and vehicle insurance as required by Michigan Law.
• US Citizen or possession of necessary documentation allowing holder to work legally in the United States.
• Have own phone or reliable access to messages.
• Have reliable transportation. May be required to travel within the six-county catchment and the state in his/her own vehicle.
• Ability to work within guidelines of the code of conduct, regulatory compliance plan and personnel policies.
• Supports a philosophy of service delivery that is recovery-based, person centered, self-directed and culturally competent.

LANGUAGE SKILLS
Ability to read, analyze and interpret general business periodicals, professional journals, technical procedures, or governmental regulations. Ability to write reports, business correspondence, and procedure manuals. Ability to effectively present information and respond to questions from staff, groups of managers, clients, customers, and the general public.

CULTURAL COMPETENCY
This position required the ability to work in a manner which is sensitive and effective with culturally diverse consumers and staff. This includes individuals, families, and groups from different cultures, socioeconomic backgrounds, languages, races, ethnic backgrounds, religions, or other factors.

REASONING ABILITY
Ability to interpret and implement a variety of instructions and guidelines furnished in written, oral, diagram, or schedule form. Ability to demonstrate immediate, logical response to situations where written instructions or procedures are not available. Implement preventative measures so as to avoid or alleviate potential problems. Ability to maintain confidentiality in all aspects of duties at all times. Ability to exercise judgement and initiative in the normal performance of duties assigned.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS
The Chief Executive Officer (CEO) position primarily operates in a professional office environment and requires various physical and cognitive abilities, which can be performed with or without reasonable accommodations. This role involves prolonged sitting, frequent use of hands and fingers for typing and handling office equipment, and clear verbal and written communication for interacting with employees, board members, and stakeholders.
The CEO may need to travel occasionally, requiring extended periods of sitting, standing, or walking through venues. Standing for extended periods during presentations and meetings is also required. Light bending, reaching, and mobility within the office may be necessary for document handling and office interactions. Strong focus and concentration are essential for decision-making and strategic planning.
The role may demand extended work hours, including evenings and weekends, for meetings and critical deadlines. Wellvance is committed to providing reasonable accommodations to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of this role.

RISK OF EXPOSURE TO BLOOD BORNE PATHOGENS
Blood borne pathogens are microorganisms that are present in human blood and can cause disease in humans. These pathogens include but are not limited to: Hepatitis B Virus (HBV), Tuberculosis (TB), and Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV).
Persons performing this job function are at Low to Moderate risk because they may occasionally come in contact with people that may be carriers of blood borne pathogens.

LIMITATIONS AND DISCLAIMER
The above position description is meant to describe the general nature and level of work being performed; it is not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required for the position.
Requirements are representative of minimum levels of knowledge, skills and/or abilities. To perform this job successfully, the employee must possess the abilities or aptitudes to perform each duty proficiently.
Wellvance is an equal opportunity employer committed to fostering an inclusive and diverse workplace. We prohibit discrimination and harassment of any kind based on race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, or any other protected characteristic as defined by federal, state, or local laws. We believe that diversity strengthens our organization and enhances the quality of services we provide to our community. All employment decisions are based on qualifications, merit, and business needs. We encourage individuals from all backgrounds to apply.

Benefits at a Glance
Health/Dental/Vision Benefits
Full-time employees can elect coverage for themselves and eligible dependents for a semi-monthly employee contribution. Benefits begin after 30 days of employment.

Retirement Plan
Wellvance is proud to offer a Pension Plan with automatic enrollment after 1 year of service is completed. Wellvance will contribute 7% of annual salary to the Pension Plan. After 6 years, employees are 100% vested. A 457k plan is also available for employees to contribute to retirement on a pre-tax basis after 30 days of employment.

Holidays
Full-time employees are provided with 13 paid holidays observed by Wellvance.

Paid Time Off
After 90 days of service, full-time employees receive a total of 96 hours per year with increasing amounts up to 264 hours at 16 years of service.

Wellness Days
Full-time employees are eligible for 3 Wellness Days annually. The Wellness Days are in addition to regular PTO and are intended to be used to participate in activities and events that promote good health and balance in your life.

Other Benefits
Full-time employees are also eligible for company paid Life Insurance and AD&D of $50,000 and Short- and Long-Term Disability. Additional employee paid life insurance, dependent life insurance, and AFLAC is available.

Back to top