NAMI Prince George's County Announces the Appointments of New Executive Director & Board President

PRINCE GEORGE'S COUNTY, Md. - Jan. 7, 2020 - PRLog -- NAMI Prince George's County announced the appointment of Jean (JB) Moore as Executive Director and the appointment of Serina Eckwood as President to its Board of Directors. Organizational appointments became effective on January 1, 2020.

At NAMI Prince George's County, strong leadership is the foundation for the organization's education, support, advocacy and awareness efforts. To continue this legacy, NAMI Prince George's County selects a new Executive Director and Board President who are passionate about improving the lives of the residents of Prince George's County – and their families, affected by mental illness. Outgoing Executive Director Collette Harris
shared her heartfelt gratitude for the organization and the transition:

"It is with a grateful heart that I resign as Executive Director of NAMI Prince George's County.  It has been an honor to serve as an affiliate leader over the past seven years and to work with our dedicated NAMI board, team, volunteers and other community stakeholders on delivering quality mental health programs and services for county residents.  We have made great strides together in achieving NAMI's mission to improve the quality of life for Prince George's County residents affected by mental illness through a host of invaluable NAMI peer-led, evidence-based support, and education programs, as well as, community outreach and advocacy efforts. Though there is much work yet to be done, I will remain very proud of our numerous accomplishments which provided hope and help for the many adults, teens, children in our communities whose lives were changed due to mental health-related conditions.  Thank you for the opportunity and my best wishes to JB and the Prince George's County team for continuous success."

In addition to the appointment of JB Moore as Executive Director, Serina Eckwood will replace Roxanne Taylor as Board President. Outgoing President Roxanne Taylor expressed her sentiments:

"For the past 7 years, I had the pleasure of serving NAMI Prince George's County, as a Board Director, Treasurer and Board President. Like many of you, I became a NAMI member after taking the Family to Family class, which helped me to understand my son's mental illness.  After I took the class, it became very clear that I had to give back to this wonderful organization. I truly love NAMI Prince George's County's dedicated board of
directors, staff, and volunteers.  However, my term as Board President has expired and it is time for another team to take this affiliate to the next level. Thank you so much NAMI Prince George's County members for the opportunity to be of service!"

Jean (JB) Moore, NAMI Prince George's County New Executive Director
Moore has served as a Member of the Board of Directors for NAMI Maryland, and as Manager for Military and Veterans Policy and Support at the NAMI Headquarters (Arlington, VA). She has also served as NAMI Veterans and Military Council Liaison - where she facilitated advocacy on behalf of veterans, service members and their families impacted by mental illness.

For the past five years, Moore has led Honor for All's Post-Traumatic Stress INJURY Awareness Campaign in the State of Maryland. This national campaign raises awareness about the stigma associated with psychological injuries sustained by service members during war.

Moore is a Desert Storm Veteran of the United States Air Force where she was responsible for leading Clinical Quality Management Programs in the Military Health Services System in the United States and abroad; and developing strategies for optimizing mental and behavioral health care for service members and their families.

Moore - a resident of Prince George's County, is a graduate of Howard University School of Law (Washington, D.C.), and holds a Masters Degree in Management of Information Systems from Lesley College (Cambridge, MA). She serves as a guardian for a family member living with a severe mental illness.

"I am honored for the opportunity to service NAMI Prince George's County and to provide strategic leadership and management that will contribute to effective, efficient and sustainable business operations," stated Moore. "I look forward to helping to improve the quality of life for Prince Georgians and their families impacted by mental illness. I am committed to helping to reduce stigma, discrimination, and health disparities as it relates to mental health; and advocating for mental health parity."

Serina Eckwood, NAMI Prince George's County New Board President
Eckwood was born in Washington, D.C. raised in Anne Arundel County, Maryland, and has been a resident of Prince George's County for 20 years. She earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Accounting from Hampton University, and a Masters in Nonprofit and Association Management from the University of Maryland. For over 20 years, Eckwood has utilized her education and experiences as an auditor for various Federal agencies.

As incoming President of the Board of Directors for NAMI Prince George's County," stated Eckwood, "helping residents within the County affected by mental illness live healthy, fulfilling lives will be a great honor and life accomplishment. For forty years, NAMI has provided advocacy, education, support and public awareness as the largest grassroots organization led by volunteers. I plan to continue in this great mission with the guiding
principles of hope, compassion, and empowerment, so that all individuals and families affected by mental illness can build better lives. Since becoming a NAMI Prince George's County member, this organization has been an instrumental resource and strength in assisting my father who lives with Bipolar Disorder.

"Throughout the years my involvement with NAMI Prince George's County has evolved through my work as a Family Support Group facilitator, Board Director, and Treasurer. I hope to use my past experiences and recent appointment on Governor Hogan's Commission to Study Mental and Behavioral Health in Maryland to further advance the great work and achievements of my predecessors, Roxanne and Collette. 2020 promises to be a
year filled with strengthening our current community partnerships while working to build new collaborative relationships. I am eager to serve and continue being a part of this amazing organization while closely working with our dedicated staff, volunteers, and community stakeholders who help achieve our mission every day."

To reach the new appointments by email contact Jean (JB) Moore at jb.moore@namipgc.org.and Serina Eckwood at serina.eckwood@namipgc.org. If you have an immediate matter, please email Cheryl Marshall at
admin@namipgc.org.

About NAMI Prince George's County
NAMI Prince George's County is dedicated to building better lives for persons with mental illness and their families who reside in Prince George's County through mental health education, support, and advocacy.

Helpline 301.429.0970
http://www.namipgc.org