MISSISSIPPI LEGISLATURE
2015 Regular Session
To: Rules
By: Senator(s) Jones, Butler (38th), Clarke, Fillingane, Frazier, Hopson, Jackson (11th), Jackson (32nd)
A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION COMMENDING AND PAYING TRIBUTE TO THE MENTAL HEALTH CAREER AND LEGACY OF STEVE ROARK FOR FOUR DECADES OF LEADERSHIP TO THE WARREN-YAZOO MENTAL HEALTH SERVICE.
WHEREAS, Steve Roark's measure of mental health service is counted not only in years but in innumerable lives positively impacted through his service to others, a measure of devotion rarely aspired to and seldom achieved by others. He has a heart for ministry, a vision of meaningful service to others, and an intentional focus to help others succeed. Lives are changed by all who encounter him; and
WHEREAS, Steve served various roles in his career at Warren-Yazoo Mental Health Service that began as an Outreach Social Worker. Over the years, he also served as Director of Alcohol and Drug Services, Clinical Social Worker, and Assistant Director for Program Management. In 1986, he was named Executive Director, all served with the humility to lead by example. During those 37 years, approximately 950 employees served with him. He made a profound impact on the lives of many of those staff members, many whom he hired and many who continue their work with Warren-Yazoo Mental Health Service; and
WHEREAS, together with the staff, Steve served countless individuals and families who received help through the many programs and services at Warren-Yazoo Mental Health Service. With his leadership, the agency offered essential services to those in need and improved the quality of life for individuals seeking help; and
WHEREAS, in 2014, Millicent Ledbetter, Yazoo County Director, recognized Steve Roark at the unveiling of the plaque honoring his 37 years of service to Warren-Yazoo Mental Health Service and naming the Yazoo County Outpatient Building in his honor. Also, Ruth Nixon, Warren-Yazoo Mental Health Service Board Member, presented Steve Roark with a plaque honoring his 37 years of service to Warren-Yazoo Mental Health Service and naming the Warren County Administration/Outpatient Building in his honor; and
WHEREAS, as Chief Executive Officer, Behavioral Health Foundation of Central Mississippi, Inc., Steve Roark performed the following:
· Managed due diligence requirements and government land-use approvals;
· Oversaw site selection and layout, defined design criteria, managed initial planning and cost estimates, and secured funding;
· Interfaced with local planning, governmental, finance, and legal organizations to meet local requirements and create positive relationship with community and civic leaders;
· Negotiated real estate documents and consultant contracts;
· Developed more than eight facility projects in 15 years with an estimated value of $7.8 Million;
· Managed design and construction of new buildings and renovations for office and equipment space; and
WHEREAS, Steve may have retired from Warren-Yazoo Mental Health Service but his life of service continues through private practice. He is returning to his first love of counseling. His ministry provides hope, guidance, and compassion to couples and families; and it is with great pride that we pay tribute to this most public spirited citizen of Mississippi with an enormous civic and professional energy:
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE SENATE OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI, THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES CONCURRING THEREIN, That we do hereby commend and pay tribute to the mental health career and legacy of Steve Roark for four decades of leadership to the Warren-Yazoo Mental Health Service, and extend to Steve and his family our best wishes for continued success and contributions to the citizens of our state.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That this resolution be presented to Steve Roark, forwarded to the Warren-Yazoo Mental Health Service Board of Directors and the Mississippi Board of Mental Health, and made available to the Capitol Press Corps.