ATLANTA - Georgia’s newest agency announced the appointment of Mark Baker as the new Director of Advocacy to further its mission of providing Georgians with services and programs that support recovery and independence. The announcement was made Friday during the Roslyn Carter Mental Health Forum which was held at the Carter Center in Atlanta.

“The heart of our mission is serving people with behavioral health issues, developmental disabilities and addictive diseases,” said Dr.Frank E. Shelp, Commissioner for the Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities (DBHDD). “Mark has a stellar reputation throughout the state for serving others and a proven record of success in advocacy. We are happy to welcome him aboard.”

As the Director of Advocacy, Baker will serve as the liaison to the Georgia Mental Health Consumer Network of Georgia and other advocates for people diagnosed with mental illness, addictive diseases and developmental disabilities. He will work with all divisions of the agency to ensure services and support for self-directed recovery are aligned with what individuals need to live a healthy life.

“I am committed to working in communities and with people to provide whatever supports they desire to maximize personal recovery,” said Baker.

Baker has more than 18 years of experience working in the community as an advocate and will start his new role as Director of Advocacy May 2010.

Contact Information:

Kristie Swink ([email protected])