Submitted
The High Plains Mental Health Center Governing Board is pleased to announce Craig Poe has been appointed as the next executive director. Long-time administrator Walt Hill has announced plans to retire in early 2024 following 45 years of dedicated service. Poe is expected to assume administrative duties effective Jan. 1.
Poe comes to HPMHC from Pawnee Mental Health Services, the Community Mental Health Center serving 10 counties in north-central Kansas, where he serves currently as chief operating officer. He is a sixth-generation Kansan with deep family ties to Northwest Kansas. A huge K-State fan, he earned his bachelor’s degree in social science with an emphasis in psychology and is completing a master’s of science degree in management and leadership.
“From the successful implementation of the region's crisis stabilization center to the early adoption of telehealth technology – under Walt’s direction, High Plains Mental Health Center is widely acknowledged for its innovation and leadership,” Poe said. “I’m deeply grateful to Walt for laying the foundation for this transition and excited for the opportunity to build on his leadership success as we move forward at High Plains.”
Poe has had senior management roles in multiple industries. Previous positions include regional sales manager in the water filtration industry, followed by a general manager role with Coleman Worldwide Moving. As he developed his business skills, Poe gravitated toward human resources and became HR director for Midwest Concrete Materials.
Over time, Poe said he came to realize many employees turned to HR professionals seeking counsel and support when facing personal or family hardships. In this role, he experienced the honor and unexpected responsibility of assisting employees — or their families — in the course of life’s most extreme challenges. This experience left an indelible imprint, giving him experience in the challenging work of assisting others in troubling times.
As he honed his skills in conflict management, mediation, and mentoring, Craig transitioned to community mental health, inspired by his respect and admiration for those in this field. As the COO of Pawnee Mental Health, and the future executive director of High Plains Mental Health Center, Craig said his experience informs everything he does, reminding him why we do what we do to serve others.