Submitted
The High Plains Mental Health Center Board of Directors is pleased to announce that Craig Poe has been appointed as the next Executive Director. Longtime administrator Walt Hill has announced plans to retire in early 2024 after 45 years of dedicated service. Mr. Poe will assume the management position from January 1st.
Poe comes to HPMHC from Pawnee Mental Health Services, a community mental health center serving 10 counties in north central Kansas, where he currently serves as chief operating officer. He is his sixth generation Kansas native and has deep family ties to northwest Kansas. A big fan of K-State, he earned a bachelor's degree in social science with an emphasis in psychology and is currently pursuing a master's degree in management and leadership.
“From the successful implementation of a regional crisis stabilization center to the early adoption of telehealth technology, under Walt’s leadership, High Plains Mental Health Center has been widely recognized for its innovation and leadership,” Poe said. Stated. “I am deeply grateful to Walt for laying the foundation for this transition and am excited for the opportunity to build on his leadership success as we move forward in High Plains.”
Mr. Poe has held senior management positions in multiple industries. Previous positions include the role of Regional Sales Manager for the water filtration industry and then General Manager for Coleman Worldwide Moving Company. BusinessAs he honed his skills, Poe was drawn to human resources and became human resources director for Midwest Concrete His Materials.
Poe said that over time, he has noticed that many employees turn to human resources professionals for counseling and support when facing personal or family challenges. In this role, he experienced the honor and unexpected responsibility of supporting employees or their families as they faced life's most extreme challenges. This experience left an indelible mark and gave him the rewarding work experience of helping others during difficult times.
Craig transitioned into the community mental health field, inspired by his respect and admiration for people in the field, while honing his skills in conflict management, mediation, and mentoring. Craig, chief operating officer of Pawnee Mental Health and future executive director of High Plains Mental Health Center, brings his experience to bear in everything he does. They said it reminded them why they do what they do to serve others.
