Commissioners Appoint Veteran Public Servant as Interim Executive Director

The State's Mental Health Commission has named Will Lightbourne as its transitional leader as the nationwide search for a new executive director begins.

SACRAMENTO - Yesterday, the state's mental health commission appointed Will Lightbourne as interim executive director as Commissioners launch a search for a new leader following last month's resignation of its current executive director, Dr. Toby Ewing.

"I see the consequences of unmet mental health needs for the people of California every day," said Lightbourne. "We must do better connecting all Californians to the services and care they need. I am honored to help support the Commission's mission of transformational systems change during this pivotal time as we move forward with the implementation of Proposition 1 and toward a future of well-being for everyone in our state."

Lightbourne, a longtime director of state and local social services, is well-positioned to support the Commission's needs during this pivotal transition in leadership and mission. In 2020, Governor Newsom called Lightbourne out of retirement to serve as the interim director of California's Department of Healthcare Services (DHCS) during the height of the pandemic.

"As California looks toward further transformation of its behavioral health care system under Proposition 1, we are grateful to be supported through this immediate transition by a leader with a career dedicated to the care and safety of California's most vulnerable communities," said Mara Madrigal-Weiss, Commission Chair and Executive Director of the Student Wellness and School Culture Department of the San Diego County Office of Education.

In addition to his leadership at DHCS, Lightbourne most recently served as a senior advisor in the Office of Youth and Community Restoration at California Health and Human Services Agency, where he provided leadership and support for increased integration of the juvenile system with other public programs serving youth in areas of health, behavioral health, social services, and housing to support positive community reentry.

Lightbourne brings an established leadership perspective to the Commission, having served seven years (2011-2018) as the Director of the California Department of Social Services, where he launched a landmark effort to move more foster children out of institutions and into family-based settings. He is also credited with increased oversight of psychiatric drugs prescribed to youth in foster care.

In addition to State service, Lightbourne has first-person insight into the needs of counties through his experience as director of social services in Santa Clara, San Francisco, and Santa Cruz counties. As head of the Santa Clara County Social Services Agency from 2000 to 2011, he worked to reduce the overrepresentation of children of color in the child welfare system and directed the closure of the local children's shelter.

"As we welcome the opportunities Will's experience brings to the Commission, we thank Dr. Toby Ewing for his leadership over the past decade. We are excited to work with our state and community partners to enhance the strategic portfolio of projects the Commission has developed to catalyze transformational change during this incredible time," said Madrigal-Weiss. "Proposition 1 reflects a historic moment in the life of the Commission. California is establishing the Behavioral Health Services Act (BHSA) on the foundation of the state's landmark Mental Health Services Act (MHSA). In the same way, the Commission is embracing this leadership evolution, building on its foundation of success to drive transformational change and significantly improve outcomes for all Californians, now and into the future."

Ewing will remain with the Commission through November 22, consulting with the interim executive director to support the transition. Additional information regarding the search for a permanent executive director will be posted on the Commission's website in the near future.

About the Commission
In enacting Proposition 63, the Mental Health Services Act, California voters in 2004 created and charged the Mental Health Services Oversight and Accountability Commission with the responsibility of driving transformational change in public and private mental health systems to achieve the vision that everyone who needs mental health care has access to and receives effective and culturally competent care. The Commission was designed to empower community partners, with members representing consumers and their families, service providers, law enforcement, educators, and employers. The Commission puts consumers and families at the center of decision-making. The Commission promotes community collaboration, cultural competency, and integrated service delivery. The Commission is committed to wellness and recovery, using its authority, resources, and passion to reduce the negative outcomes of mental illness and promote the mental health and well-being of all Californians.