Mid-South Substance Abuse Commission

Our Governance

As set forth in the Intercounty Agreement dated October 7, 2003, by and between the counties of Calhoun, Clinton, Eaton, Gratiot, Hillsdale, Ingham, Ionia, Jackson, Lenawee and Newaygo, the Mid-South Substance Abuse Commission was established, consisting of twenty (20) members, all appointed by their respective County Board of Commissioners for two year terms.

Annually, members elect new officers for the upcoming year. Officers of the Commission are the Chairperson, Vice-Chairperson, Treasurer and Secretary. There are three standing Committees of the Commission: Program Development Committee, Executive/Personnel/Finance Committee, and Nominating Committee. Other Committees may be established by the Chairperson as deemed necessary. Commission and Committee meetings are held monthly. A brief description of each Committee and their meeting date is below.

Executive/Personnel/Finance Committee is responsible for the executive, personnel and finance functions of the Commission. This includes but is not limited to the following:

• Development of Personnel Policies which adhere to all State of Michigan and Federal laws pertaining to discrimination in employment.

• Recommending appointment and/or termination of the Commission's Executive Director, and compensation paid to Commission officers and staff.

• Conduct the annual review of the Executive Director.

• Review all financial obligations of the Commission, reviewing budgets for the delivery of substance abuse services.

• Empowered to authorize expenditures within budget items.

• Act on all matters requiring immediate attention, subject to the review and approval/ratification of the full Commission, when such circumstances would not permit the convening of a regular or special full Commission meeting.

• Oversee the preparation of an Annual Report and ensure submission to the member counties Board of Commissioners.

This Committee has ten (10) members, one from each county. The Chair of this Committee is the Commission Chairperson. The Committee meets on the fourth Monday of each month, prior to the full Commission Meeting.

Program Development Committee is responsible for investigating and developing new or revised program services and content, and the reviewing of substance abuse services and service needs in the region. There are ten (10) members of this Committee, with the Chair being elected by the members. The Chair of this Committee is elected by the members. The Committee meets the third Monday of each month.

Nominating Committee is responsible for developing a Slate of Officers for annual election by the full Commission. There are ten (10) members of this Committee, who meet once per year, usually in January.

Executive Director

The Executive Director is appointed by the Commission, and exercises such powers and functions as the Commission may direct, and is under the general direction of the Commission.

The Executive Director may hire staff, subject to approval and conditions of the budget established by the Commission. The Executive Director serves at the pleasure of the Commission, subject to any conditions which the Commission may establish.

The Commission's Executive Director is Gary VanNorman.

2875 Northwind Dr., Ste. 215 * East Lansing, Michigan * 48823 * (517) 337-4406