Interim Commissioner
Ulster County Department of Mental Health
Kiingston, New York
Tara McDonald holds a Master of Social Work degree from Fordham University and a Master of Public Administration degree from Marist College. Tara is licensed to practice Social Work in the state of New York. Her educational pursuits have been narrowly focused on enhancing inherit skills to create and become an effective public servant. Tara has been applying this combination of skills, passion and educational knowledge within government service since 2003.Tara began her career in New York State government as an employee of the Office of Mental Health, with an emphasis on the mental wellness of New York’s youth. In 2012, Tara widen her scope to include adults, as a program specialist responsible for certification and auditing of mental health programs in OMH’s sixteen county Hudson River Regional Field Office. After 13 years of regional work, Tara transitioned into a statewide role in OMH’s Central Office, as the Residential Coordinator. As the Residential Coordinator, Tara was responsible for the oversight and management of 540 Residential Treatment Facilities Beds and 288 Community Residence beds; operated through 30 OMH licensed agencies. The opportunity to apply her skills and passion for the management of behavioral health services on a macro level, in the county of her residence; was the impetus to conclude her tenure with OMH. In 2017, Tara accepted the position of Deputy Commissioner for the Department of Mental Health in Ulster County. As, Deputy Commissioner, Tara was responsible for the daily operations of the Department of Mental Health. Those responsibilities included ensuring the Department’s compliance with its legal obligations pursuant to Mental Hygiene Law and the designation as the Local Governmental Unit. Tara successfully maintained these duties for four and half years until a recent appointment as Interim Commissioner for the Ulster County Department of Mental Health.
Prior to her years in governmental service, Tara worked within various community based organizations throughout New York State providing different levels of case management services to youth and families. Tara was awarded Employee of the Year from the New York State Coalition for Children’s Mental Health Services in 1999, in appreciation for her work with severely emotional disturbed youth in the state.
Disclosure information not submitted.
Wednesday, April 13, 2022
10:30 AM – 11:30 AM
