The McNabb Center is pleased to announce that Mona Blanton-Kitts has been named Chief Executive Officer of the organization, effective immediately. Mona’s appointment follows the retirement of Jerry Vagnier, who is stepping down after a more than 30-year career with the Center.
“I am honored to step into this position and excited to lead the Center into the future. I look forward to continuing to advance the Center’s mission of improving lives,” Mona said. “The McNabb Center’s work cannot be done without an incredible staff and my vision is to grow and develop a workforce focused on compassion and excellence.”
Mona has celebrated more than 35 years with the McNabb Center, serving in a variety of roles. She began her career on the front lines of behavioral health care as a case manager for adults. Over the course of Mona’s career, she has overseen an expansive array of services and clinics across 29 East Tennessee counties.
Mona has been recognized by the Tennessee Association of Mental Health Organizations (TAMHO) with the Dorothea Dix Professional Service Award for her career accomplishments. Her entrepreneurial approach has been a catalyst for much of the Center’s growth.
“Mona is a natural leader and her compassion for the people we serve has never wavered,” said Wade Davies, chair of the McNabb Center’s Board of Directors. “The McNabb Center is well poised to grow under her leadership.”
The McNabb Center is the region’s leading nonprofit provider of mental health, substance use, social and victim services. By focusing on an individual’s “Well Mind, Well Being,” we provide a quality and compassionate approach to care from infancy through adulthood. Since 1948, the Center has proudly served individuals with the most needs and fewest resources. Today, the McNabb Center delivers support to more than 36,750 people throughout East Tennessee each year. For more information, visit www.mcnabbcenter.org or call 1-800-255-9711.
