NEW DIRECTOR OF DHHS APPOINTED

Mayor's Office

8/4/2014

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE   

Contact: Lindsey Whitt Phone: 907-343-7103 E-mail: whittla@muni.org  

MELINDA FREEMON APPOINTED NEW DIRECTOR OF DHHS

Mayor Sullivan announced today that the Director of Health and Human Services (DHHS), Janet Vietmeier, has announced her resignation, effective August 22, 2014.  Mayor Sullivan has appointed Melinda Freemon, the Division Manager of Public Health Initiatives and Partnerships, as the new Director. 

Melinda Freemon has been in the health field for over thirty years.  She has a Master’s Degree in Counseling Psychology and is a Licensed Professional Counselor and a Certified Clinical Supervisor.   Ms. Freemon has served on numerous local and statewide Councils and Commissions related to behavioral health during her thirty-two years in Alaska. 

Ms. Freemon was the former Executive Director of the Clitheroe Center Drug and Alcohol Treatment program and the Supportive Housing Division Director for the Rural Alaska Community Action Program. Ms. Freemon has been recognized as a leader in the provision of effective treatment for substance abuse and mental health services as well as leading the effort to develop Housing First programs in Alaska.  

Mayor Sullivan said, “I would like to extend my sincere thanks to Janet for her many years of service with the municipality.  She did an outstanding job as the Director of DHHS and we will all miss her both professionally and personally.  I am pleased that Ms. Freemon has agreed to accept the position and I am confident that her experience, professionalism and dedication will be well utilized as director of DHHS.”

 

###