Tillmon Bishop of Lincoln County was recently named president of the Statewide Mental Health Commissioners Group, which oversees the state’s network of 14 Community Mental Health Centers.

The state’s regional community mental health centers operate under the supervision of regional commissions appointed by county boards of supervisors comprising their respective service areas.

The 14 CMHCs make available a range of community-based mental health, substance use and — in some regions — intellectual and developmental disabilities services. They are the primary providers of community-based mental health services in Mississippi.

As president, Bishop is succeeding Wayne Brown, who served as president for four years and is the current commissioner representing George County for Singing River Mental Health Services.

“Commissioner Brown left some big shoes to fill,” Bishop said. “He has demonstrated great leadership in his determination to improve mental health services for the most vulnerable population over the past two decades. I will carry the torch with honor and build on the foundation laid by all the previous presidents before me.”

Bishop currently serves as Region 8 Mental Health Services Commissioner representing Lincoln County. Additionally, he is actively serving as chancery clerk for Lincoln County. Chancery clerks have a vital role in the admissions process for the Department of Mental Health’s inpatient programs throughout Mississippi.

Bishop received his Bachelor of Science degree in business and finance from Mississippi State University and was a former vice president of Trustmark Bank in the area of corporate and retail lending.  He also served as executive vice president of the Brookhaven-Lincoln County Chamber of Commerce’s Industrial Development Foundation.  He has served as president of Lincoln County United Way, Brookhaven Kiwanis Club and Copiah-Lincoln Community College Alumni Association.

“We are glad to see Tillmon Bishop in the role of president of the Mental Health Commissioners Group,” said Department of Mental Health Executive Director Diana Mikula. “Commissioners have vital roles in ensuring the state’s Community Mental Health Centers are providing the services that so many Mississippians need. Mr. Bishop’s leadership will be a valuable asset for the public mental health system in Mississippi.”