November 3, 2021 – The board of directors of the Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA) Kamloops has permanently appointed Alfred Achoba to the position of Executive Director. Achoba had been Interim Executive Director since 2020.
“We are pleased Alfred has accepted this role on a permanent basis,” says Greg Thomson, President CMHA Kamloops Board of Directors. “Alfred has been with the branch for several years, and during his time, has done an excellent job of leading the team through several challenges, building strong relationships in the community and with team members, and enhancing the impact of the branch on people with mental health and/or substance use challenges. His compassion, dedication, and commitment to the community will continue to build on the vital work of CMHA Kamloops in supporting mental health for all.”
Achoba joined the CMHA as a support worker with a background in community engagement in 2013 and has held a number of positions at the Kamloops branch over the past eight years. As CMHA Kamloops Manager of Homelessness Services and Shelter Operations from 2014 to 2017 he was responsible for the management, supervision, professional development and evaluation of CMHA Kamloops Emergency Shelters and demonstrated a successful record of program expansion, design and implementation within the shelter system.
In 2019 he was appointed Acting Operations Leader and played a key role in the opening, and ongoing management, of Rosethorn House, a 42-unit supportive housing building which opened in January 2020 and has helped change the lives of some of the community’s most vulnerable residents. Raised in Nigeria, Achoba holds a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from Thompson Rivers University. Outside of his life in the social sector, Alfred is a travel enthusiast, father and soccer fan.
“It is a great honour to be leading a society that has a proven commitment towards maintaining and improving mental health for all,” says Achoba. “I look forward to building and sustaining our mandate of embracing the voice of people with mental health challenges in our community. I am excited to continue leading the branch, expanding the operational strength of the society and ensuring the highest quality of program delivery. Together with your support, I look forward to achieving these goals,” says Achoba.
For more information on CMHA Kamloops programs and services go to kamloops.staging.cmha-bc.flywheelsites.com.
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About the Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA)
CMHA is Canada’s most established mental health charity and the nation-wide leader and champion for mental health. CMHA helps people access the resources they need to maintain and improve mental health, build resilience, and support recovery from mental illness. Each year in BC alone, CMHA serves more than 100,000 people all across the province. For mental health and addiction information and resources visit www.staging.cmha-bc.flywheelsites.com
Media Contact:
Pamela Findling
Senior Manager, Communications, CMHA BC Division
604-349-4574
pamela.findling@cmha.bc.ca