I am proud to have served as an advocate for sound mental health policy for more than twenty years. I was drawn to the arena of mental health for personal reasons, as the father of a young son with schizophrenia. I first became an active NAMI Volunteer and later served as NAMI California Legislative Director, family education trainer and board member. This grass roots experience led to a rewarding career as Director of Government Relations for the California Psychiatric Association where I participated in and led many important mental health policy campaigns.

   Over the years, I have learned how important education and communication are in the development of sound mental healthy policy. For those of us immersed in the everyday process of making and supporting positive policy and legislation, and, likewise, taking a strong stand against proposals that threaten the integrity and delivery of mental health care in California, collaboration among stake holders is paramount. As a participant in coalitions that include hospitals, physicians, advocacy groups and others, I am actively involved in creating successful strategies to accomplish our shared goals.

   I also recognize the importance of strong channels of communication with decision makers in government – from state departments that implement policies, to the office holders who originate those policies. Effective and trusted relationships in these realms take many years to develop.

   Now, as the principal of EmpiriCal, I leverage those years of experience and relationships built on performance, to further the shared goals of organizations and individuals seeking to create and maintain effective mental health policy in California.

Having a leadership role in many of the state’s mental health initiatives has been a highlight of my professional life. Here is an abbreviated list of key legislative actions: