Behavioral Health Talent Council

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Before Governor Kotek took office, research on the workforce crisis existed across multiple disciplines but lacked unified analysis. The Governor directed the Higher Education Coordinating Commission to consolidate that work through the Behavioral Health Talent Assessment, which informed the creation of the Behavioral Health Talent Council, chaired by the First Lady Aimee Kotek Wilson. The 22-member council included direct service providers, educators, administrators, licensing authorities, frontline workers, and individuals with lived experience. It focused on the full workforce pipeline, form education and training to licensing, recruitment, and retention.

Submitted to Governor Tina Kotek and state agencies for review The Council's Final Report includes 17 action plans with a total of 74 strategies aimed at expanding the workforce, streamlining licensing and credentialing, and improving recruitment and retention across the state. Recommendations include expanding access to supervision, reducing administrative burden, improving workplace safety and compensation, streamlining the credentialing process, and strengthen education pathways - particularly for rural communities, culturally specific providers, and those serving Oregon Health Plan members. The report identifies immediate actions that can be taken administratively, mid-term strategies requiring coordination and resources, and long-term investments that may require legislative approval or new funding.

The recommendations were developed over eight months in partnership with frontline providers and are grounded in statewide data. Governor Kotek will review the recommendations and determine how best to advance them through executive action, legislation , or agency directives. The Governor's Office will issue annual public reports on implementation progress.

The Behavioral Health Talent Council Final Report (PDF)

Council Members

Chair Aimee Kotek Wilson - First Lady of Oregon
Vice-Chair Julie Ibrahim - Chief Executive Officer, New Narrative
Vice-Chair Eli Kinsley - Director of Operations, Bridgeway Community Health
Vice-Chair Robin Sansing - Behavioral Health Initiative Director, Southern Oregon University
Todd Younkin - Executive Director, MHRA
Rachel Prusak - Executive Director, Oregon State Board of Nursing
Julia Pontoni - Office of Workforce Investments Director, HECC
Ebony Clarke - Behavioral Health Division Director, OHA
Van Burnham - Executive Director, MHACBO
Rick Treleaven - Chief Executive Officer, BestCare Treatment Services, Inc.
Clarissa Carson - MSN, APRN, PMHNP-BC, Rogue Community Health
Sommer Wolcott - Executive Director, OnTrack Rogue Valley
Jamie Vandergon - Chief Executive Officer, Trillium Family Services
Liz O'Connor - Triager, Cascadia Project Respond
Julia Mines - Executive Director, Miracles Club
Janie Gullickson - Executive Director, MHAAO
Tammi S. Paul - Executive Director, Oregon Family Support Network
Shyra Merila-Simmons - Executive Director, Clatsop Behavioral Healthcare
Bethany M. Wallace - Assistant Professor of Practice & Practicum Specialist, Portland State University, School of Social Work
Alice Gates, PhD - Associate Professor of Public Health, OHSU-PSU
Mary Peterson, PhD - Provost, George Fox
Monica Vines - Program Director for Addiction Counseling and Behavioral Health, Central Oregon Community College

Council Meetings

Council members will attend meetings virtually. Per public meeting law, members of the public may stream meetings live or view them retroactively following the link below.