by Catherine Rice
Dalyn Schmitt, chief executive officer for Heartland Regional Alcohol and Drug Assessment Center, Roeland Park, Kan., has announced she plans to step down as CEO on Dec. 31, 2014.
Schmitt founded the organization in 1998 and has been instrumental in its success during the last 16 years. Jason Hess, executive director, will lead the organization. He has been with Heartland RADAC since 2001.
A nonprofit organization, Heartland RADAC is a licensed alcohol and drug treatment program that provides assessment and referral services as well as care coordination and case management for individuals seeking substance abuse treatment in 76 Kansas counties. Heartland RADAC is a partner with several local, state and national organizations including the Kansas Department of Corrections, Kansas Department for Children and Families, Kansas Department of Aging and Disabilities-Behavioral Health Services, Johnson County 10th Judicial District, New Directions Behavioral Health and Wyandot Center.
“Helping to found and lead Heartland RADAC has provided me an incredible opportunity to serve the community in such a fulfilling way,” Schmitt said. “I have been contemplating the right time to ‘pass the baton’ for some time, and my decision was ultimately determined by the strong state of the organization right now and my absolute confidence in Jason’s leadership and the strength on the management team he leads. I believe Heartland RADAC is well positioned for the future.”
“Dalyn has been an extraordinary CEO and prior to that, executive director, for the organization for more than 16 years,” said Heartland Board President Michael Billquist, of Intergraph Inc. “Dalyn’s visionary leadership style, enthusiasm and passion for individuals and families facing addiction have made a huge impact in the communities we serve. Dalyn has been the ‘heart and soul’ of this organization – with her caring, open nature and ability to connect with staff and colleagues. We will miss her.”
Schmitt said, “Over the years I’ve had the distinct privilege of working with the most talented and highly skilled employees, management team and board in the industry, and I’m proud of their dedication and focus to our mission. We’ve continued to offer those who are affected by substance abuse vital access to treatment options and a continuum of care as well as foster professional partnerships in order to improve services.”
Since founding HRARDAC in 1998, Schmitt has spearheaded major strategy and program shifts across the organization. Most notable are her advocacy efforts with criminal justice systems, acute care facilities, other treatment providers and mental health centers to collaborate and develop partnerships to better serve consumers suffering with addiction.
During the past year, Schmitt played a key role with Wyandot Inc. and Johnson County Mental Health in the effort to convert Rainbow Mental Health Facility from an inpatient psychiatric unit to a much needed community crisis stabilization facility. This pilot project enhanced the continuum of mental health crisis-emergency services serving residents of Wyandotte and Johnson counties.
Under her leadership, tele-health and other innovative technology have been introduced to meet the diverse needs of persons living in urban, suburban, rural and frontier areas.
“Her forward thinking and ethical approach to problem solving have gained the attention, respect and support of state legislators, funders and fellow colleagues,” said Beverly Metcalf, CEO of Mirror Inc., Newton, Kan.
“She has the unique ability to study and stay abreast of the changing needs of the marketplace; identifying and anticipating trends; evaluating and offering options to the boards of directors to keep the organization competitive,” said board member Michele Manne Neylon, of Cross First Bank.
Besides her role as Heartland RADAC’s CEO, Schmitt is also president of Heartland Consultation Inc. She supervises independent contractors involved in crisis intervention and referral to community-based services consults with emergency services departments. In addition, she provides education, training, community awareness and consultation to various community organizations, agencies, employers and the public. Schmitt will continue to serve in this role.
As a 30-year veteran in the behavioral health field, Schmitt has served and been actively involved on numerous boards and initiatives including past president of the Kansas Association of Addiction Professionals and the Redesign Committee for the state of Kansas to evaluate the effective delivery of substance abuse treatment. In addition, she participated on many task forces including serving as a member of the Kansas DUI Commission formed in 2009, which later resulted in DUI policy changes.
Currently, Schmitt is a faculty member of the Addiction Professional Business Learning Collaborative with NAADAC, the Association of Addiction Professionals and Via Positiva. She also has taught addictions-related courses at the University of Kansas Edwards Campus and the University of Saint Mary in Leavenworth. She currently volunteers with Kansas City Hospice.
She is a licensed master social worker and licensed clinical addictions counselor in Kansas and holds a bachelor’s degree in psychology and a master’s degree in social work from the University of Kansas. She formerly worked at Bethany Medical Center in Kansas City, Kan.
Bilquist said, “Over the next couple months, Dalyn and Jason will continue to work together to ensure a smooth leadership transition across our organization and with community and statewide partners.”