The Henrico Area Mental Health & Developmental Services (MHDS) Board has inducted seven new members into the Mary Ann Bergeron Hall of Fame in honor of their contributions to the agency and the individuals it serves.
Now in its fourth year, the Hall of Fame’s new members are retired, former or current MHDS employees James W. Stewart III, Michael D. O’Connor, Debbie O. Burcham, Wendy Bauers Northup, Gail Maddox Taylor, Venus Polk and Sara Tolentino. An induction ceremony was held Thursday at MHDS offices on Woodman Road.
“Through their professionalism, spirit of service and unwavering compassion for others, the seven members of the Class of 2025 have strengthened Henrico Area Mental Health & Developmental Services as a human services agency and carried on the tremendous work of Mary Ann Bergeron,” said Lisa Diggs, chairperson of the MHDS Board. “In doing so, they have improved the lives of countless individuals and families throughout our community and enhanced access to life-changing mental health, developmental disability and substance-use services.”
Stewart served as MHDS’ executive director from 1977 to 2004 and led the agency through a period of immense growth. He went on to serve Virginia as state inspector general and as commissioner of the Department of Behavioral Health & Developmental Services. Stewart said he was grateful for “having the opportunity to be a part of building a comprehensive community mental health and developmental services system over a quarter of a century in Henrico. It was a privilege to know and to work with such dedicated and talented professionals, as we brought together a diverse workforce to serve the needs of so many individuals and families.”
O’Connor served MHDS for 37 years in a variety of leadership roles before retiring as executive director in 2014. He mentored staff to develop their clinical and leadership skills, emphasized partnerships and was recognized for leading with integrity. O’Connor credited his accomplishments to being part of a team and shared his pride in the relationships he helped to develop and maintain between MHDS and partner public safety agencies, including Henrico’s Police and Fire divisions and Sheriff’s Office.
“Too often the response to persons in crisis involves these first-responder agencies, and a partnership with them helps individuals in crisis as well as the agencies involved,” he said. “These strong partnerships have improved crisis services for residents of Henrico, Charles City and New Kent.”
Burcham served MHDS for 26 years, including as assistant director of Community Support Services, and helped establish the Early Intervention Program for Infants and Toddlers. She later served as assistant deputy commissioner for the Virginia Department for the Aging and executive director of the Chesterfield Community Services Board before retiring in 2019.
“I was in the system when Mary Ann was hired, worked very closely with her throughout her time in the system, celebrated with her when she retired and mourned her death,” Burcham said. “I learned the art of strategy and negotiation with the members of the General Assembly from Mary Ann, and we became good friends. It is the greatest honor to receive an award named for this amazing woman.”
Northup retired from MHDS in 2003 as manager of the Prevention Program. She considers it her favorite position in her long and varied career.
“I was grateful to be part of an amazing management team and an extraordinary staff working to enhance and develop prevention programs,” she said. “MHDS was an extremely functional organization, where development and conflict were both happening in healthy and productive ways. This characteristic allows staff to take reasonable risks to improve work and not be afraid of being undercut or left hanging. For those whose life career was here, you might not appreciate the difference. But it is a great gift that makes everything else possible. It also allows relationships to develop and maintain over the years. And I continue to treasure my relationships with those with whom and for whom I worked here.”
Taylor served as manager of MHDS Prevention Services from 2004 to 2007 and later as director of Virginia’s Office of Behavioral Health Wellness. Now a consultant, Taylor is recognized for having introduced practices that were considered cutting edge nationally and believes that everyone simply wants to feel a sense of belonging.
“I am humbled by the ability and opportunity to create a path for people and communities to be seen and garner support, whether through resources or policy for their access to behavioral health wellness,” she said.
Polk retired in November after 43 years with MHDS, including as the Developmental Services supervisor for Hermitage Enterprises. She is recognized for having a passion to serve those with developmental disabilities and to ensure that everyone is treated with dignity and respect.
“Early on in my career, I learned that working with people in day support included a comprehensive understanding of the individual, including their families, friends and caretakers,” she said.
Tolentino, who has served MHDS for 26 years, is currently the program manager for Forensic Mental Health and Diversion Services. She is recognized for her work ethic and dedication, and for serving others beyond her prescribed duties.
“Although I do not feel worthy, I am honored and humbled to have received the Mary Bergeron Hall of Fame award,” she said. “I have the utmost respect and admiration for the previous and current recipients of this award, many of whom have served as role models to me throughout my career at MHDS. I have been extremely fortunate to have served under many amazing supervisors and administrators who taught me what leadership and service should look like. I am also thankful to have incredibly talented and dedicated staff who are committed to improving the lives of those we serve.” The Mary Ann Bergeron Hall of Fame and its annual awards program honor the work of Mary Ann Bergeron, the founding executive director of the Virginia Association of Community Services Boards. Bergeron, who died in 2021, served the association from 1989 to 2014. Her legacy lives in the work of behavioral health authorities and community services boards across Virginia. The Mary Ann Bergeron Hall of Fame display is located at the MHDS offices, 10299 Woodman Road. More information about the Henrico Area Mental Health & Developmental Services Board is available at henrico.gov/mhds/board-members.
Inductees to the Mary Ann Bergeron Hall of Fame appear
with MHDS Board members and officials.
Of note (from right to left) are James W. Stewart III, Gail Maddox Taylor,
Michael D. O’Connor, Wendy Bauers Northup, Debbie O. Burcham,
MHDS Executive Director Laura Totty, Venus Polk and Sara Tolentino.