New Executive Director Appointed

The Board of Directors of Human Support Services named a successor to James E. Poschel, the Executive Director since the agency’s inception in 1973.  Mr. Poschel will be retiring as of October 13, 2006.

Mr. Robert J. Cole assumed Directorship on Monday, September 18, 2006.  Mr. Cole most currently served as the Executive Director of the Upper Mississippi Mental Health Center in Bemidji, Minnesota, where he was responsible for the daily operations and strategic direction for the private non-profit community mental health center.  Mr. Cole had held that position since 1994. Prior to that, he was Executive Director for Brown County Mental Health Center in Green Bay Wisconsin. “It feels like a real luxury to assume the duties of Executive Director for an agency that is so healthy and successful.  Most of the positions I have previously held were with agencies that were in crisis when I began.  Jim should feel proud of Human Support Services’ financial strength and stability,” commented Cole.

Both Mr. Cole and his wife, Susan, have spent their working careers in the Midwest and Susan grew up in Illinois.  “Our three children are grown, and we were looking to downsize, move to a warmer climate, and be closer to a metropolitan area – so the move to Monroe County is a natural,” Cole remarked.

Mr. Cole plans to focus on growing the agency’s existing programs, as well as continuing the preparations for changing to a fee-for-service environment.