David Copus, a Member-at-Large from Edmonton and Vice President – Finance for the past two years, is the new President/Chair of the Alberta Division of the Canadian Mental Health Association.

Copus was elected by the Division’s Board of Directors at its meeting of September 27, held the day after its Annual General Meeting in Leduc (Nisku). He succeeds Kathleen Frei of Grande Prairie, who will remain on the Executive as Past President.

Moving into the Vice President – Finance position is Bill Bone, a representative from Calgary Region. Returning to the Executive are Vice President – Governance Vincella Thompson of Fort McMurray, and Vice President – Advocacy and Social Policy Jim Watson of Red Deer.

The Division had a strong year, active in advocacy, sound financially and moving forward with the CMHA Regions to develop a new joint strategic plan.

Guest speakers at the AGM were psychiatrist Dr. P.J. White and consumer advocate Dr. Austin Mardon, both of whom addressed recent announcements to transfer beds from Alberta Hospital Edmonton to the community.

The AGM included the presentation of annual awards, including the prestigious President’s Award to Sharon Sutherland and Dennis Anderson for their work in building the Alberta Alliance on Mental Illness and Mental Health.

Other award winners were as follows:

- Nadine Stirling Memorial Award: Kelley McCune – Medicine Hat

- Professional Care Award: Rod MacInnis – Camrose

- Special Service Award: Groves' Value Drug Mart – Camrose

- Bettie Hewes Memorial Award for Outstanding Volunteer Service: Craig Johnson – Calgary

- Workplace Wellness Award: Alberta Teachers' Association.

Past President/Chair Jodi Cohen of Calgary was also awarded an Honourary Lifetime Membership for her outstanding work for many years at all three levels of CMHA.

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