Illinois Woman Promoted to Director of Mental Health

An official with the Illinois Department of Human Services has been named to head the agency’s Division of Mental Health.

Lorrie Stone of Chicago was promoted to director of mental health on July 1. She previously served as the division’s deputy director, beginning her employment with the state in January 2002.

Stone replaces Dr. Christopher Fichtner of Northbrook, who left the agency in mid-June to return to the private sector. Fichtner had led the division since April 2003.

“I’m happy to pick up the reins and continue the forward movement of the division,” Stone said.

Stone previously held a similar deputy director’s position in Washington, D.C., and had a small private practice for 25 years. She earned a doctorate in clinical psychology, with specialties in neuro psychology, forensic psychology and organizational management psychology. In January, she and Illinois Senate President Emil Jones, D-Chicago, announced their engagement to be married.

Her salary has yet to be determined. Fichtner earned $186,000 annually.

The Division of Mental Health oversees the state’s nine mental health hospitals – including McFarland Mental Health Center in Springfield – as well as state-funded services offered to residents seeking treatment at community mental health centers.

Meanwhile, another top state official has earned national recognition for his service to the state. Barry Maram, director of the Illinois Department of Healthcare and Family Services, will receive a “Distinguished Service to State Government” award from the National Governors Association during the organization’s annual meeting July 16 in Des Moines, Iowa.

“This award honors a vision Director Maram shares with Gov. Blagojevich to make health care more affordable and accessible for Illinois’ working families and senior citizens,” HFS spokeswoman Kathleen Strand said.