When DeKalb Community Service Board announced earlier this year that CEO Gary Richey would step down to retire, the company said his resignation would be effective fall of 2015. Sadly, that day has come as Friday, August 28, 2015 marks Richey’s last day as the agency’s CEO.
Richey took the reins at DeKalb CSB in 1994 as the Fiscal Officer and was appointed CEO/Executive Director in 2004. Richey has over 40 years of experience serving in professional positions in accounting, post-secondary education, community development and healthcare.
“It’s been my honor and personal privilege to serve the DeKalb CSB and this community for the past 21+ years,” stated Richey. “In my roles as CFO and subsequently CEO, I’ve done my best to assist the agency to achieve the mission and vision established by the governing board while upholding their adopted values.”
Richey goes on to say, “I’m humbled by the positive remarks and expressions of gratitude that have been offered in recognition of my service to the agency and my retirement. I’m keenly aware that whatever successes the DeKalb CSB has achieved during my tenure were accomplished by the hard work, dedication and commitment of the many clinical and other direct care and support staff members who showed up every day to provide services and supports to the individuals and families that come to the DeKalb CSB for assistance.
Thank you for all you have done to make the DeKalb CSB impactful for the individuals and families we serve and our community stakeholders. As an organization of people serving people, without you we could accomplish nothing.”
In honor of Richey’s hard work and commitment to helping the DeKalb County citizens, DeKalb County Interim CEO Lee May proclaimed Friday, August 28, 2015 as “Gary S. Richey Day” in DeKalb County.
“Gary Richey’s leadership and service are simple inspirational,” stated May. “He understands how mental illnesses can impact so many lives, and he is a prime example of what our society can do to help those in need.”
Joseph Bona, MD, MBA will succeed Richey, for the position of CEO. Dr. Bona has served as the DeKalb CSB’s Chief Medical Officer for the past 12 years and is ready to take the next step and lead the CSB with his experience and business savvy.
DeKalb CSB is delighted to welcome Dr. Bona as our new CEO and we are excited that his experience, training and strong leadership skills will lead the DeKalb CSB into the future. We look forward to the possibilities. We would like to thank Gary Richey for his 21 years of unparalleled guidance and management and wish him the best as he moves forward in his career.
