(Santa Ana, CA) - On June 25, 2024, the Orange County Board of Supervisors appointed Ian Kemmer, as the new Director of Behavioral Health Services (BHS), for the OC Health Care Agency (HCA). Kemmer brings 22 years of behavioral health experience to the role. He holds a Master of Arts degree in Counseling Psychology and is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT).
Kemmer will take over the role from Interim BHS Director, Annette Mugrditchian. Most recently, Ian served as the Assistant Deputy Director of Adult and Older Adult Mental Health Services at the HCA, where he was responsible for oversight of Adult Outpatient and Intense Outpatient Services; Recovery Support Services including Veteran supportive services; Housing and Supportive Services which includes 12 Long-Term Care programs, 325 permanent supportive housing units, five residential rehab units, and eight Bridge housing programs. In prior roles at the HCA, Kemmer led the development of Annual Provider Training, Medi-Cal auditing certified review process and oversight of the Managed Care Support Team.
“In his tenure with the HCA, Ian has established himself as a dedicated and caring champion for behavioral health and is well-positioned to take over leadership of the HCA’s Behavioral Health team,” said Dr. Veronica Kelley, HCA Agency Director. “This is an unprecedented time of change for the public Behavioral Health system, and Ian will be an asset in transforming the HCA to navigate the future.”
“I am honored to have the opportunity to serve as the new Behavioral Health Services Director for the HCA,” said Kemmer. “Throughout my career, I have worked tirelessly to improve the mental health and well-being of our community, and I look forward to continuing to make a positive impact in the lives of those we serve. In recent years, mental health and substance-use disorders have become a critical focus of our community, with increasing recognition of the need for comprehensive care and support. I am looking forward to facing these changes head on as we transform our system for the better.”
Kemmer will assume his new role as Behavioral Health Services Director beginning June 28, 2024.
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