The Metropolitan Human Services District (MHSD) is governed by a Board of thirteen members: nine members from Orleans Parish and two members from each of the Parishes of Plaquemines and St. Bernard. Of the thirteen members, 2 members must have professional expertise in the field of mental health; 2 members must have professional expertise in the field of addictive disorders; 2 members must have professional expertise in the field of developmental disability; 1 member must have expertise in finance, accounting, business enterprise, or auditing; 1 member must be a representative of the judiciary, with particular emphasis on specialty courts; 2 members must represent law enforcement, school-based health care, public health, or the coroner’s office based on the needs of the respective appointing parishes; 1 member must be a parent, consumer, or advocate in the field of mental health; 1 member must be a parent, consumer, or advocate in the field of addictive disorders; and 1 member must be a parent, consumer, or advocate in the field of developmental disability.
Board members are appointed by the chief executive officer of the parish they represent subject to the approval of the governing authority that parish. They are eligible for three consecutive three-year terms.
Orleans Parish (6 Representatives)

Mike Miller, LCSW-BACS
Vice-Chair 2023-2024
Appointed November 16, 2017
2nd Term Expires November 16, 2025

Charlotte Parent
Appointed June 2013
3rd Term Expires: November 15, 2023

Cathy Lazarus
Appointed December 2015 to fill term of Resigned spot.
3rd Term Expires: November 15, 2023

Tenisha T. Stevens, M.A.
Appointed November 16, 2020
1st Term Expires: November 16, 2023

Brian L. Turner, Ph.D.
Appointed November 16, 2020
1st Term Expires: November 16, 2023

B. Gerard Woodrich, LCSW-BACS
Appointed November 16, 2020
1st Term Expires: November 16, 2023
Plaquemines Parish (2 Representatives)

Leslie Prest, RN, BSN
Secretary
Appointed August 23, 2018
3rd Term Expires: August 23, 2027

Sarintha Stricklin, Ph.D
Appointed October 2014
3rd Term Expires: October 09, 2023
St. Bernard Parish (2 Representatives)

Michael Pechon
Chair 2023-2024
Appointed July 19, 2016
3rd Term Expires: July 10, 2025

Tanesha Sanchez Irvin
Appointed October 26, 2022
1st Term Expires: October 26, 2025