Michael Doud named executive director of MHARS Board

Michael Doud has been named the new executive director of the Mental Health, Addiction and Recovery Services Board of Lorain County, the agency announced Monday. Doud replaces interim Executive Director Elaine Georgas, who has been serving as interim director since the former Lorain County Board of Mental Health and Lorain County Alcohol and Drug Addiction Services Board merged in 2019. She was director of the ADAS board prior to the merger. With more than 30 years of experience in behavioral health, Doud most recently was the chief operating officer of the Emerald Development and Economic Network, a nonprofit community housing development agency in Cleveland. Prior to that, he served for 20 years at the Alcohol, Drug Addiction & Mental Health Services Board of Cuyahoga County and at The Nord Center and St. Joseph/Community Health Partners in Lorain. Doud, who has a bachelor's degree from Cleveland State University and a master's degree in social administration from Case Western Reserve University, will take over for Georgas on June 1. "I'm honored to be identified to lead such a dynamic, community-driven organization as the MHARS Board of Lorain County," Doud said in a statement released by the MHARS board. "I am optimistic about MHARS Board continued success and look forward to working closely with stakeholders and partners as we build upon our initiatives to support the recovery process of individuals in our communities." "I look forward to joining the MHARS Board in continuing to advance collaborative, cross-sector efforts to improve behavioral health services and access to quality care," he said. "We are very excited to have Michael taking on the role of executive director of the MHARS Board," said board Chair Dr. Hope Moon. "Michael brings to the job an exceptional combination of energy, sensitivity, and proven leadership. Both the board and staff are impressed with his extensive knowledge of Northeast Ohio, his three decades of service within the mental health/substance abuse area, and his strong management skills. We expect Michael to not only continue the MHARS Board's excellent programs, but to work with partners and funders to help expand the MHARS Board's programs to more people in need." Doud was chosen after a four-month search led by board members and Waverly Partners of Cleveland, an executive search firm. "The MHARS Board would like to thank Ms. Georgas for her dedication and outstanding service during the rapid merger of the two boards and the issues facing the organization during the COVID pandemic," the board said in its announcement of Doud's hiring.