Board of Directors - 2010

Ann Benson

West Regional Director

I hold a Masters in Social Work and my professional career has included juvenile court work, adoption, foster care, and mental health provider. Four years ago I retired from full-time employment after 22 years as Director of Student and Family Services for a school district serving 62,000 students. My responsibilities included services for students and families in emotional crisis, drug-use, pregnancy, suicidal behavior, etc. While there, I was able to develop an ongoing, community-wide response team to address these mental health issues. I also served as President of the Utah State Association of Student Service Directors.

Community involvement has been a part of my adult experiences and opportunities. Twice I have served in gubernatorial appointments on the Utah State EMS Council. I have also served as board member and chair of children’s abuse centers, women’s shelter centers, and family counseling centers. I am currently in my second term on the county board of health. The past 5 years, I have served as a member of the Utah Association of Local Boards of Health (UALBH) steering and executive committee and am past-president.

The strengths I bring to NALBOH are a willingness to commit to whatever time is required to fulfill the assignments and I feel comfortable as a workshop presenter. I enjoy policy development and implementation. I bring interpersonal relationship skills and state and community networking experience to the table. My personal life has been filled with a 44-year marriage, three children and now seven grandchildren that are a delight and keep us playfully youthful.

Page updated 1/07/2010.