SAN JOSE, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Momentum for Mental Health, the largest private nonprofit dedicated to providing comprehensive adult mental health services in Santa Clara County, is pleased to announce the appointment of David K. Mineta as its new President and CEO. Mineta takes the helm from retiring CEO Paul Taylor.
“We are extremely pleased to announce this appointment,” reported Chair of Momentum’s Board of Directors, Jason Noriega. “David brings a unique combination of skills, breadth of experience and a deep sense of commitment that is aligned with the board's strategic priorities to strengthen our position as a premier leader in the effective delivery of comprehensive mental health services.”
Since 2010, David K. Mineta has served as a Presidential appointee in the position of Deputy Director of Demand Reduction for the Office of National Drug Control Policy (ONDCP). His focus on drug prevention, treatment and recovery support services is recognized nationally. Noriega spoke to the Momentum Board and staff’s excitement that Mineta’s knowledge and experience in this field will greatly assist Momentum’s efforts to expand and enhance its services in the areas of substance use disorders.
Noriega stated, “David has demonstrated the ability to successfully lead initiatives that integrate a broad range of strategies from the outset, and we look forward to the experience and energy he will bring to Momentum.” Noriega also noted that Momentum has made significant inroads toward integrating its mental health services with primary health care, citing the agency’s partnership with Foothill Community Health Center since 2013, which has enabled clients to receive mental health and physical health care in one setting, both at the agency’s East San Jose campus and at its largest campus, on The Alameda in San Jose, where Foothill staffs a primary health care clinic. “We expect David’s arrival to help us move even further toward fully integrated health services, including a broader spectrum of substance use recovery services.”
Following Taylor's retirement announcement, the Momentum Board appointed a six-person search committee. They worked with one of the nation's leading executive search consulting firms, Leadership Search Partners, to conduct a nationwide search for Momentum’s new President/CEO. The committee reviewed a number of excellent candidates from across the country. The Board voted to appoint Mineta during a special June meeting.
David K. Mineta’s career in behavioral health began in Santa Clara County over 25 years ago. In 1996, Mr. Mineta worked with Asian American Recovery Services (AARS) throughout the Bay Area. He began as a manager of a youth prevention program, rose quickly to Associate Director and in 2007, was named Deputy Director. Prior to AARS, Mr. Mineta was a counselor in the San Jose Unified School District and later in Santa Clara County’s Alcohol and Drug Department. Mineta also served twice as board president for the Jefferson Union High School District Board of Trustees. He served as a member of the American Public Health Association and Community Anti-Drug Coalitions of America before being unanimously confirmed by the United States Senate on June 22, 2010, as Deputy Director of Demand Reduction for the White House Drug Policy Office.
Not only is David K. Mineta a nationally recognized leader in behavioral health prevention, treatment, recovery and policies, he has also proven to be an effective fundraiser, successfully raising over $18,750,000 dollars through federal, state and local grants over the course of his career.
Melinda Golden, Chief Financial Officer, stated, “Momentum’s executive team is excited to have Mr. Mineta come aboard as our new President and CEO, and look forward to his leadership as Momentum continues to grow as an important mental health and substance use treatment resource for the community.”
Mineta received a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from the University of California, Berkeley and a Master of Social Work from San Jose State University.
David K. Mineta commented, “The behavioral health care delivery system is undergoing fundamental change. Full integration of mental health and substance use disorder services with primary health care is now underway. I am honored and delighted that the Momentum Board of Directors and Executive Team are entrusting me with the opportunity to lead this important organization through its next phase of exemplary service. I look forward to joining the dedicated staff, board and supporters in continuing to shape mental health services to best meet the needs of our community.”
About Momentum
Momentum is the largest private nonprofit provider of adult mental health services in Santa Clara County. Our program and services for individuals living with a mental illness are comprehensive and include a prevention and early intervention program, adult and transitional age youth (14 to 24) out-patient services, employment services, day rehabilitation services, residential treatment, supported housing and a volunteer program. In addition, Momentum works to reduce and eliminate the stigma that surrounds mental illness and mental health care through a community relations program that promotes education, diversity and collaboration.
