by BECKY GOFF
Little Apple Post/JC Post
MANHATTAN - On Thursday morning, Pawnee Mental Health announced appointment of new Chief Executive Officer.
Michael Rezkalla, MPA, MA was named the new CEO following a national search process.
Anne Browne, outgoing Governing Board Chair headed the search committee which included incoming Governing Board Chair, Kathy Webster, Cawker City, incoming Foundation Board President, Wayne Sloan, Manhattan, Governing Board Treasurer, Barb Wise, Beloit, and Kyle Kessler, Topeka, CEO of the Association of Community Mental Health Centers of Kansas, Inc.
“We are delighted to welcome Rezkalla, as our new CEO,” says Anne Browne. “His exceptional leadership skills, strategic insights, and industry knowledge make him the ideal choice to lead Pawnee into the future.”
Michael Rezkalla replaces Robbin Cole, who served as CEO and retired after 28 years with Pawnee Mental Health.
Rezkalla most recently worked as the VP of Operations and Chief Operating Officer of UMass Memorial Community Healthlink, Worcester, MA.
“I am immensely humbled by the Search Committee’s commitment to the mission of the organization and grateful for their decision to select me for this role. I would like to seize this opportunity to thank everyone who participated in the search process including but not limited to Ms. Anne Browne, Board Chair, and all members of the Search Committee,” says Rezkalla. “Ms. Robbin Cole leaves big shoes to fill. Her legacy of accomplishments, advocacy for the advancement of mental health services, and passion for the mission of the organization are significant, and humbling. I look forward to spending some time learning from her before she transitions out of her role in May 2024.
Rezkalla will start at Pawnee Mental Health on March 4th, 2024 and will work alongside Cole through the month of March and into April.
Cole stated, “I am grateful for and humbled by the opportunity I have had to serve Pawnee Mental Health and the committees in Pawnee’s service area for more than 28 years. I’m delighted to help facilitate the smooth transition for Michael and Pawnee. We are fortunate to have someone of Michael’s experience, skills, and vision to build on Pawnee’s foundation and lead the organization to new heights of service to our communities.”
Cole’s official retirement date will be May 1, 2024.