Senate Resolution 34

A RESOLUTION RECOGNIZING THE DEDICATED PUBLIC SERVICE OF MR. STEVEN ALLEN, DEPUTY EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF PROGRAMMATIC SERVICES FOR THE MISSISSIPPI DEPARTMENT OF MENTAL HEALTH, AND THANKING HIM FOR HIS CONTRIBUTIONS TO INTELLECTUAL/DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES PROGRAMS IN OUR STATE.

WHEREAS, we join the administrators and staff of the Mississippi Department of Mental Health in honoring the career and contributions of Mr. Steven Allen; and

WHEREAS, Steven Allen was named Deputy Executive Director of Programmatic Services of the Mississippi Department of Mental Health in January 2017. He started with the agency in 1989 at East Mississippi State Hospital. In 1993, he transferred to Boswell Regional Center, where he worked in a variety of roles, including Assistant Director from 2005 to 2012. He was named Director of that program in 2012. He held a wide variety of positions at Boswell Regional Center, and under his leadership Boswell implemented and expanded a system that provides person-centered service; and

WHEREAS, he collaborated with others to redesign Boswell Regional Center to offer specialized treatment options for Mississippians with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Under his leadership, Boswell implemented and expanded a cost-effective and sustainable system that provides the highest levels of inclusionary service. Under his leadership, the Boswell Regional Center campus population and the Community Residential Program's population increased. It was under Mr. Allen's direction, leadership and ability that these individuals are achieving their dreams of their own home; and

WHEREAS, Steven truly believes people with intellectual/developmental disabilities deserve the total support, recognition and acceptance of all citizens of the State of Mississippi; and

WHEREAS, throughout his career, he has supported opportunities for people with intellectual/developmental disabilities in our state that include full access to education, housing, employment and recreation. He has worked to help people with intellectual/developmental disabilities enjoy, participate in and share the same benefits, privileges and protection afforded all citizens of our state and nation; and

WHEREAS, over his years of service, Mr. Allen has been the recipient of the James W. Park Academic Achievement Award from Belhaven College, is a graduate of the John C. Stennis Institute of Government and a graduate of the Simpson County Leadership Program. He was also the recipient of the Paul D. Cotton Leadership Award. He has earned a license as a Mental Health Administrator, a Nursing Home Administrator and is a Certified Public Manager. He has been a member of the American Association of Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities since 1993; and

WHEREAS, especially unique to Mr. Allen is his gift of motivating, directing and inspiring his staff members to not only succeed in, but also to advance his vision of excellence in service provision; and

WHEREAS, it is with great pride that we commend a career of service to disabled citizens that has brought distinction to the Department of Mental Health and to the State of Mississippi:

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE SENATE OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI, That we do hereby recognize the dedicated public service of Mr. Steven Allen, Deputy Executive Director of Programmatic Services for the Mississippi Department of Mental Health, and thank him for his contributions to intellectual/development disabilities programs in our state.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That this resolution be presented to Mr. Steven Allen, forwarded to the State Board of Mental Health, and made available to the Capitol Press Corps.