NAMI Sets 2026-2027 Leadership Agenda for Mental Health Advocacy

NAMI CEO Daniel H. Gillison, Jr. underscored the importance of the new appointments, citing the need for leaders with deep community ties and lived experience to navigate a critical period for mental health policy. Fladen, a former executive director of NAMI Tennessee with a background as a therapist and crisis counselor, continues to steer an organization that prioritizes family-focused advocacy and clinical support. His leadership remains central to the group’s mission of ensuring no individual faces the challenges of mental illness in isolation.

The board transition also marks the departure of outgoing members Laklieshia Izzard, Sukhi Sahni, and Dhanu Sannesy, whose contributions were recognized by the executive team. The incoming cohort, including members like Dr. Devika Bhushan and Ronald T. Vera, will serve three-year terms with the option for a second consecutive term. This governance structure is designed to balance institutional continuity with fresh perspectives from local affiliates, maintaining NAMI’s position as a prominent grassroots force in the U.S. mental health landscape.