Personnel update: Kim Boswell to serve as Commissioner of the Alabama Department of Mental Health

Gov. Kay Ivey announced Monday that Lynn Beshear will retire as Commissioner of the Alabama Department of Mental Health (ADMH) effective December 16, 2020. Beshear was appointed to the position in July 2017. Ivey has hired Kim Boswell as Beshear’s replacement.

“When Lynn was appointed, I knew that she would approach her role always thinking of what is best for the people of Alabama,” Governor Ivey stated. “She has created a collaborative team approach within the Alabama Department of Mental Health to solve intricate problems regarding delivery of services for mental illness, substance abuse disorder, and intellectual disability. I am truly grateful for her service to our state and wish her the best in her next chapter.”

Beshear stated, “It has been an honor to serve as the Commissioner of the department. I am stepping into the next chapter of my life, proud of the accomplishments of the department and am incredibly honored to have worked with such dedicated individuals who are committed to improving the lives of others. I profoundly thank Governor Ivey for her trust in me these last three years and have no doubt the department will continue to change the lives of the people of Alabama for the better.”

Under Commissioner Beshear’s leadership, the ADMH launched Stepping Up Alabama, a program to reduce the number of individuals in jail with mental illness. Additionally, three mental health crisis centers were announced as crisis diversion centers, and there was the expansion of school-based mental health and infant and early childhood services during her tenure.

Boswell currently works as Chief of Staff for Commissioner Beshear and has over 36 years of experience working with individuals with mental illness, substance abuse disorders, and developmental disabilities. She has been an Associate Commissioner for Administration and Director of Human Services for the Alabama Department of Mental Health. Boswell received a Bachelor of Social Work from The University of Alabama Birmingham and a Master of Social Work from Florida State University, with a specialization in planning and program evaluation.

“I’m pleased to announce Kim Boswell as Commissioner for the Alabama Department of Mental Health,” Governor Ivey commented. “She has spent the entirety of her professional career devoted to helping struggling individuals, and I appreciate her willingness to serve in this new capacity. Her background as a mental health provider as well as administrator makes her uniquely qualified.”