By Cynthia Grau/WJEZ News

After 26 ½ years, Carol Flessner, executive director of the Livingston County Mental Health Board, is retiring and passing the torch to Christine Myers, also a longtime employee of Livingston County Mental Health.

Flessner said there have been many highlights to her career, including the building of the Fell Park House, gaining additional funding for individuals with developmental disabilities, among others.

“One of the best things I think we’ve been able to accomplish was securing a child psychiatrist for Livingston County,” Flessner said. “It was through a partnership with OSF and David Ochs. They had written a grant and directed the money to us to implement the program for children with mental illness.”

Flessner said she is happy with the choice of bringing Myers into the job, and Myers said she feels the transition will be smooth.

“I think, because there’s such a good framework and very supportive boards and a very veteran staff and all the groundwork has been set. All the groundwork has been set. Everything is all in place. I think it will be a very smooth transition, because of everything she’s (Flessner) laid the groundwork for.”

Flessner will officially retire June 30.