Christian Barnes-Young is the Assistant Deputy Director of Community Mental Health Services at the South Carolina Department of Mental Health (SCDMH). In this role, he oversees many statewide programs, including Housing and Homeless Programs, School Mental Health, Community Crisis Programs, Employment Services, Trauma-Related Training Programs, and Co-Occurring Services. Prior to serving as the Assistant Deputy Director, Mr. Barnes-Young was the Executive Director of Tri-County Community Mental Health Center—one of SCDMH’s 16 community mental health centers.

Mr. Barnes-Young earned a bachelor’s degree in psychology from Coastal Carolina University and a master’s degree in clinical psychology from Francis Marion University. He is a licensed professional counselor in South Carolina and certified in primary behavioral health care integration by the University of Massachusetts, School of Medicine. Prior to joining SCDMH, Mr. Barnes-Young worked as a master’s-level psychologist with the South Carolina Department of Disabilities and Special Needs. He also held positions at the South Carolina’s Governor’s Office: Continuum of Care for Severely Emotionally Disturbed Children.

Heath Holt Hayes resides in Oklahoma City and serves as the Chief Communications Officer for the Oklahoma Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services. Heath’s responsibilities are focused on leading a cross-functional team engaged with strategic initiatives that include policy implementation, program development, and service delivery, as well as community organizing, governmental affairs, and public relations. Heath is a nationally recognized leader helping others embrace lived experience with mental health and has successfully integrated recovery-oriented, holistic, and person-driven continuums of care at the local, state, and national levels.

In addition, Heath is a member of the American Psychiatric Association’s Policy Advisory Board, Co-Chairs the National Association State Mental Health Program Directors’ Division of Recovery Support Services and is alumni of the National Council for Behavioral Health’s Addressing Health Disparities Leadership program. Heath received a bachelor’s degree in Psychology from the University of Central Oklahoma and several graduate degrees from the University of Oklahoma in Human Relations, Administrative Leadership, and a Women’s and Gender Studies.

Regina F. Smith is a well-rounded administrator with experience spanning multiple systems to include public health, child welfare, non-profits, behavioral health, and healthcare systems. In her current role as Director of Health Systems and Tobacco Cessation with the Tobacco Prevention and Cessation Division at Indiana Department of Health (IDOH), Regina oversees the health systems change strategies for the state to include the health system change grants, forming state agency partnerships and the Indiana Tobacco Free Recovery Leadership Academy. In addition, Regina provides oversight of the Indiana Tobacco Quitline (ITQL) program services. In a previous role, Regina was the Integrated Healthcare State Director for the Division of Mental Health and Addiction where she designed and implemented the state’s integrated care model. Regina has presented nationally on integrated care and served as the lead facilitator for stakeholder meetings and workgroups. She holds a Master of Science degree in Community Psychology from Martin University and a Bachelor of Science degree in Criminal Justice Studies from the University of Southern Mississippi.