UTICA, N.Y. – Oneida County Executive Anthony Picente has appointed a new mental health commissioner to oversee behavioral health services in the area.
The new commissioner, Ashlee Thompson, was the former director of outpatient behavioral health services at Rome Memorial Hospital.
“For the past 14 years, Ashlee Thompson has been making a huge impact on this community in terms of direct clinical care, the treatment of chemical dependency and the provision of behavioral health services,” Picente said. “I believe that her administrative experience and strong leadership will be an asset to Oneida County government and I am confident she will take our Mental Health Department in a new and positive direction.”
Thompson says she plans to work with local agencies to improve mental health services provided throughout the county.
“I look forward to working with our local healthcare providers, treatment agencies and law enforcement, and to serving the people within Oneida County to enhance behavioral health services in our area. I know that working together we will be able to positively impact change. I am eager to see what we will be able to accomplish,” she said.
Thompson has served on various boards and coalitions, including the Rome Community Schools Advisory Board and the Oneida County Opioid Task Force.
She officially assumed the commissioner position on Monday, Oct. 26.
