JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. – Gov. Jay Nixon today announced his appointments to the Mental Health Commission and the Missouri Board of Occupational Therapy. The appointments require Missouri Senate confirmation.
The appointments to the Mental Health Commission are Dr. Kenneth W. Dobbins, of Lake Saint Louis; and Dr. Karl Wilson, of St. Louis. The commission appoints the director of the Missouri Department of Mental Health and assists the director in establishing, maintaining and reviewing plans, practices, rules and regulations, facilities, programs and services operated, funded or licensed by the Department.
Dr. Dobbins is the President Emeritus of Southeast Missouri State University in Cape Girardeau and served as the University President from 1999 to 2015. He also served in several executive administrative positions with the university from 1991 to 1999. Dr. Dobbins also was a financial officer for Kent State University and served as an officer and civilian executive with the U.S. Air Force Audit Agency. The Governor has appointed him for a term ending June 28, 2019.
Dr. Wilson is a clinical psychologist who retired in 2012 after 33 years as President and CEO of Crider Health Center, a safety net community health and mental health center serving Franklin, Lincoln, St. Charles and Warren counties. Dr. Wilson also taught at Washington University for 38 years. He served on the national Board of Mental Health America and on the founding Board of Missouri Health Connection. The Governor has appointed him for a term ending June 28, 2018.
The appointments to the Missouri Board of Occupational Therapy are Jeanenne M. Dallas, of Maplewood; and Heather A. Koch, of Columbia. The board protects Missourians through the licensing of occupational therapists and assistants, and also investigates complaints against licensees.
Dallas is a certified occupational therapist and an instructor in the Occupational Therapy and Neurology programs at the Washington University School of Medicine. She has been with the School of Medicine since 1996 and has served in occupational therapy positions since 1978. Dallas obtained her master’s degree in health services management from Webster University. The Governor has appointed her for a term ending Dec. 11, 2015.
Koch is a registered occupational therapist with Rusk Rehabilitation Center in Columbia. She serves on the board of the Missouri Occupational Therapy Association and is a past member of the board for the occupational therapy program at St. Charles Community College. She obtained her master’s degree in occupational therapy from San Jose State University. The Governor has appointed Koch for a term ending Dec. 11, 2016.
