SACRAMENTO – On behalf of the Mental Health Services Oversight and Accountability Commission (MHSOAC), Chair Andrew Poat and Vice-Chair Larry Poaster announced Wednesday that the new MHSOAC Executive Director is Ms. Sherri L. Gauger.

The MHSOAC is responsible for oversight and accountability of mental health services in California.

The 16-member MHSOAC was formed by the passage in 2004 of Proposition 63, the Mental Health Services Act (MHSA).

Gauger is currently the deputy director of the Division of Addiction and Recovery Services, California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (CDCR).

She has previously served as a career executive (CEA) for the Governor’s Strike Force on Prison Reform; Deputy Director, Office of Legislative and External Affairs for the Department of Alcohol and Drug Programs; and Assistant Deputy Director, Administration Division, for the Victim Compensation and Government Claims Board.

MHSOAC Chair Andrew Poat enthusiastically welcomed Ms. Gauger to her new position saying, “Sherri Gauger is exceptionally well qualified to assume the duties of executive director of the MHSOAC. She brings a wealth of executive level state work experience to the commission and we are very fortunate to have her join us.”

MHSOAC Vice-Chair Larry Poaster seconded Mr. Poat’s comments in saying, “Sherri Gauger has the knowledge, skills, and abilities to lead the commission staff to better serve mental health clients, families, and stakeholders.”

Sherri Gauger will begin work at the MHSOAC later in April.