CMHA Vernon & District is pleased to announce the appointment of Kelli Sullivan as Director of Programs – Youth, Family and Adult (Integrated Services). This newly created leadership role reflects the organization’s continued growth, an evolution in leadership for some programs, and a commitment to supporting integrated, responsive services across the lifespan.
As CMHA Vernon & District continues to expand and evolve, the organization identified the need to strengthen leadership capacity to support staff teams, community partnerships, and individuals and families accessing services. This role also provides leadership continuity during key organizational transitions, including the transition of youth services to Foundry North Okanagan, ensuring strong alignment and collaboration as services move forward.
“This new role strengthens our ability to align services and support our teams during a time of change,” says Julia Payson, Executive Director at CMHA Vernon. “Kelli’s experience and collaborative leadership will help advance integrated youth, family, and adult services, including guiding the transition of youth services to Foundry North Okanagan, while keeping community wellbeing at the centre of our work.”
Kelli Sullivan brings extensive experience across education, mental health, youth engagement, and family supports. Through her non-profit work and community-engaged research, she has developed community-based programs and research partnerships that advance solutions at the local, provincial, and national levels. She serves as Board Chair of the Vernon School District and previously served as Board President of the Mental Illness Family Support Centre. Her contributions include helping establish the Patchwork Farm Initiative, supporting the development of Vernon’s first youth centre (now Teen Junction), and long-standing involvement with CMHA’s Ride Don’t Hide campaign. Her advocacy and leadership has also led to provincial appointments to BC School Trustee committees and the 2018 BC Confederation of Parent Advisory Councils Outstanding Volunteer Award.
In her role as Director of Programs, Kelli will provide strategic leadership across CMHA Vernon & District’s integrated youth, family, and adult services, with a focus on program alignment, staff support, community collaboration, and service excellence. She will play a key leadership role during the transition of youth services to Foundry North Okanagan, supporting continuity of care and strong partnerships across the community.
“CMHA Vernon & District has a long history of working alongside community, and I’m really excited to step into this role during a time of growth and innovation,” says Sullivan. “Supporting integrated services for youth, families, and adults—especially through the move to Foundry North Okanagan—is incredibly important to me. I’m looking forward to working closely with staff, partners, and our community to centre lived and living experience, reduce barriers, and better connect supports.”
CMHA Vernon & District is confident that Kelli’s collaborative approach, strong community relationships, and leadership experience will be a significant asset to the organization and the people it serves.
New director of integrated programs named
