![Shown above, Sen. Wieland, right, with Mrs. Renee and Dr. Stephen Huss during the Senate Gubernatorial Appointment hearing on Wednesday, April 13, 2016.](https://www.senate.mo.gov/16web/wp-content/uploads/2016/04/041316-008.jpg)
JEFFERSON CITY—State Sen. Paul Wieland, R-Imperial, sponsored the appointment of Dr. Stephen Huss to the Missouri Mental Health Commission, and the reappointment of Kevin Roberts to the State Fair Commission, during the Senate Gubernatorial Appointment hearing on Wednesday, April 13. They were later confirmed by the full Senate.
“It was an honor to sponsor the appointment of Dr. Huss and the reappointment of Mr. Roberts,” said Sen. Wieland. “I know their extensive expertise and experience will be valuable assets to their respective commissions. I have no doubt they’ll serve the people of Missouri well.”
Doctor Huss is the retired president and CEO of Community Treatment, Inc. (COMTREA), which he helped found in 1973. He has been a lifelong advocate for the mental health community and under his leadership COMTREA has grown to implement numerous programs and is nationally accredited. Dr. Huss has a Ph.D. from Saint Louis University and has taught at Jefferson College. His qualifications are countless and I was proud to support his appointment.
The Mental Health Commission, composed of seven members, appoints the director of the Department of Mental Health with confirmation by the Senate. Commissioners are appointed to four-year terms by the governor. The commissioners serve as principle policy advisors to the department director.
Mr. Roberts currently serves as the vice-chairman of the Missouri State Fair Commission, and has been a practicing attorney for more than 30 years. He was the past president of the Jefferson County Bar Association and the past president of the Hillsboro School Board, on which he served for over 14 years. He has remained active on several other local boards, including the Jefferson County Rescue Mission and the Hillsboro Community Civic Club.
The purpose of the State Fair Commission is to oversee the operation of the Missouri State Fair. It is responsible for the selection and supervision of the Fair director, and has authority to lease or purchase land and accept or reject contracts.
Missouri has more than 200 public boards and commissions. From advocating on behalf of children and seniors to managing public universities, the citizens who serve on these boards and commissions are essential to the numerous functions of state government. For more information, visit www.boards.mo.gov.
To view Sen. Wieland discussing the appointments, click here or visit his official Missouri Senate website at www.senate.mo.gov/wieland.