The Board of Directors of the Rochester Chapter of the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) has announced the appointment of Heather Brooks Newton as Executive Director.
Newton began her role as Executive Director on January 28. Like many people involved with NAMI Rochester, she came to the organization because of a personal need. “My husband and I found NAMI several years ago when we were struggling to make sense of our son’s mental health condition. The support and education we received was invaluable to our family’s recovery,” said Newton. “I was offered the privilege to serve as NAMI Rochester’s Executive Director in January 2019 and am proud to be leading this dynamic and critically important organization.”
“We’re thrilled that Heather will take on this leadership role,” said Kim VanCamp, President of the Board. “Heather is well-known to NAMI Rochester as co-chair of the 2018 NAMIWalks Rochester. Her education and many years of non-profit management experience, along with her passion and commitment to our mission of support, education and advocacy will enable her to plan effectively for the future and expand our programs.”
Newton earned her Master’s in Public Administration from Syracuse University’s Maxwell School of Citizenship and Public Affairs. She spent the early part of her career working and volunteering for several non-profit organizations before spending nearly a decade in university admissions. Most recently, she led the development and community engagement efforts at Foodlink. Newton is excited to be leading the 37-year-old organization into its next phase.
“We have made great strides in the past 37 years since NAMI Rochester’s founding, and there is more and more attention being paid to mental health education and awareness,” Newton said. “Through increased partnerships with secondary schools, colleges and community partners, NAMI will continue to play a critical role in the mental health and wellness arena. In particular, NAMI’s unique family programming, as well as our nationally-accredited anti-stigma work in middle and high schools are two areas of potential growth in the coming year.”
Newton succeeds Pat Sine, who retired January 25 after 28 years with NAMI Rochester. Sine served as Executive Director for 22 years and helped to grow the organization from a small group of concerned parents, to one that has served thousands in the Rochester community.
NAMI Rochester provides classes and support groups at no charge, relying on donations to cover the costs. The agency’s primary fundraising event, NAMIWalks Rochester, will be held on May 4 at Village Gate in Rochester. To get involved or learn more about NAMI Rochester please visit the website: www.namiroc.org.
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