Meet Our Board of Directors

Quality Services for Individuals and Families with Special Needs

Meet the Board of Directors

C. Dennis James_

Executive Director

Board member_


C. Dennis James is the Chief Executive Officer of High Desert Family Services. He has served as the State Director of Mentor New Mexico since October 2000. Under his leadership, Mentor undertook a complete quality improvement endeavor, monitored by the Department of Health that was successfully completed in 2001. Senior leadership at National Mentor has recognized that it was under Mr. James’s leadership that Mentor New Mexico completely turned around its operation and success. Mr. James has demonstrated expertise in the areas of process improvement, provider relations, and team building. Prior to his assuming leadership at Mentor, Mr. James has over twenty years of experience in behavioral health, health care administration and Human Services. His focus as the High Desert Family Services Inc. CEO will be to manage the quality operation of all five sites, maintain and strengthen the excellent relationships already established with the State of New Mexico and other key stakeholders, and develop opportunities for continued growth. Mr. James will also continue his political action and advocacy for individuals with disabilities.

Austin Lindsey_

Chief Financial Officer

Board member_


Austin Lindsey, CPA is High Desert’s Chief Financial Officer. He joined the Mentor team in March, 2002 and oversaw the successful turnaround in financial profitability of the company in FY02 to FY03, with an increase of 218%. Mr. Lindsey’s primary focus has been to ensure the integrity of all financial systems and processes. He has been responsible for improving collection procedures and policies, provide viable tools for program managers to monitor the financial aspects of service to their clients, and to strengthen the overall fiscal management of the operation. Mr. Lindsey obtained his CPA in New Mexico in January 1997. His expertise and experience includes positions as a staff accountant at New Mexico’s largest private CPA firm and Chief, Financial Officer for a community healthcare facility. Mr. Lindsey is responsible for developing all fiscal policies and procedures for High Desert Family Services Inc. including all financial as well as information technology systems.

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Kathy Mixon

Owner

Board member


Kathleen M. Mixon, Esq., is High Desert Family Services Inc.’s Risk/Compliance Officer. Ms. Mixon oversees the quality assurance program at High Desert focusing on policies, procedures, employee training, risk assessment, and management. As a partner in the law firm of Simone, Roberts & Weiss, P.C., Ms. Mixon has an impressive background in both law and social services, specializing in providing statewide defense services to those who provide and receive behavioral health services. Her experience as an attorney specializing in these areas gives High Desert the optimal ability to ensure the highest quality.

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