Sebelius appoints three, reappoints five to the
Governor’s Mental Health Services Planning Council

Governor Kathleen Sebelius has appointed Rick Cagan, Brad Luthe and Kathy McNett to the Governor’s Mental Health Services Planning Council.

“The council, comprised of providers, consumers, advocates and experts, provides a strong voice for the mental health community,” Sebelius said.

Cagan, Topeka, is appointed as an ex-officio member of the council to serve at the pleasure of the governor. With a bachelor’s degree in psychology from Princeton University; a graduate certificate in nonprofit management from Virginia Commonwealth University; and 27 years of advocacy experience, Cagan is currently the Kansas executive director of the National Alliance on Mental Illness. 

Luthe, the council’s youth representative, is a freshman at Wichita High School Northwest and will fulfill the unexpired term of Bobbie Rine ending in June of 2009.

McNett, Great Bend, is a veteran of the United States Marine Corps and holds an associate degree in accounting. McNett will serve a four-year term ending in June of 2011.

Dr. Jane Adams, Topeka; Gary Parker, Colby; Kimberly Roady, Garden City; Marlan Ratzlaff, Moundridge; and Linda Witten of Emporia were reappointed to four-year terms. 

The Governor’s Mental Health Services Planning Council monitors, reviews, and evaluates the allocation and adequacy of mental health services across the state and serves as an advocate for adults with severe and persistent mental illness, children with serious emotional disorders, and others with mental illness.

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