Release Date: October 16th, 2024
Contact: Lacey Stryker
Email: [email protected]
Phone: 512-535-5066
NAMI Central Texas Announces Clarena Tobon as Executive Director
Tobon to Lead Organization’s Growth and Continued Community Impact
Austin, Texas – [October 16, 2024] – NAMI Central Texas is delighted to announce the appointment of Clarena Tobon as its new Executive Director. Tobon, previously its Chief Development Officer who has been serving as interim Executive Director since June, has consistently demonstrated her dedication, passion, and expertise in the power of peer-led mental health support, perfectly positioning her to lead the organization into a promising new era.
Tobon breaks new ground as the first Latina and LGBTQ+ woman to guide NAMI Central Texas. She brings a rich tapestry of experience, having co-founded Hope Happens, a peer-support network for suicide loss survivors, and holding key positions at the Georgetown Behavioral Health Institute, Cedar Crest Hospital & Residential Treatment Center, and Metroplex Health System. Her advocacy extends beyond local initiatives, with a notable achievement in lobbying Congress to secure funding for the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. Tobon’s prior roles also include fundraising leadership at Austin Habitat for Humanity and United Way for Greater Austin.
Brianna McKinney, Board President, shares her confidence in Tobon’s leadership, stating, “Throughout Clarena's time with us, we have been fortunate to observe her unwavering commitment to the community, her exemplary work ethic, her strategic mindset, and her candid sharing of personal experiences that resonate with NAMI's mission. Under her guidance, our team has flourished leading to expanded community support, demonstrating growth and resilience. We are fully confident that Clarena will lead NAMI Central Texas forward with integrity, empathy, an authentic understanding of peer support's importance in mental health, and a passionate commitment to our cause. It is all these qualities and more that inspire the Board's enthusiasm and optimism for our future under her leadership."
Tobon expressed her gratitude and vision, saying, “I am deeply honored to step into the role of Executive Director. This work is possible because of our dedicated team and the community's unwavering support. Together, there are countless opportunities to amplify our impact locally, and I’m eager to collaborate with our Board, team, partners, and volunteers to achieve great things. This role holds personal significance as it honors my mother’s memory and my own lived experiences. My commitment is to find ways in which NAMI Central Texas can lead its mission with a compassionate and open approach. We know that this work cannot be done alone, working alongside other community partners will be key to our success.”
Tobon aims to lead the organization toward continued mental health advocacy and amplify community impact by focusing on outreach and engagement with underserved communities. Strengthening relationships with volunteers and donors is a priority, ensuring everyone connected to NAMI Central Texas feels aligned with its mission and witnesses the impact of their support. She is also committed to enhancing workplace health programs and expanding partnerships that resonate with the vision of a mentally healthy Central Texas, ensuring no individual walks this path alone.
ABOUT NAMI CENTRAL TEXAS
NAMI Central Texas is the local affiliate of the National Alliance on Mental Illness, the country’s largest grassroots organization dedicated to building better lives for millions of Americans affected by mental illness. Through its mental health education, support, and advocacy programs, NAMI Central Texas impacts the lives of individuals and families in Travis, Williamson, Hays, Bastrop, Burnet, and Caldwell counties. For more information, visit https://www.NAMICentralTX.org/
