Keystone Human Services - Comprehensive community based mental retardation, mental health, autism and early intervention services

The Keystone Times

Fall 2008

A grateful salute to Joan Rowlands' 30 years with Keystone

Thirty years with one organization is almost unheard of in today's transient society, so it is with the deepest appreciation that Keystone recognizes Joan Rowlands' three decades of outstanding service in supporting KHS's human service Vision.

Involved in community mental health since 1971, Joan began her career as a high school counselor for Mechanicsburg Area Senior High School in Pennsylvania. In 1977, she accepted a position at Keystone Residence as a part-time social worker/counselor in the Mental Health arena, and with that foundation continued her career at Keystone, advancing through various levels of the organization.

In her longest-held position, Joan served as Executive Director of Keystone Community Mental Health Services (KCMHS), and was responsible for the organization's considerable expansion between 1987 and 1998. Today, KCMHS operates with an annual budget of over $9 million and serves nearly 1,000 individuals experiencing mental illness.

Following her leadership role at KCMHS, Joan joined Keystone Behavioral Health Systems, Inc. in September, 1998 where she served as Business Manager for three years. In her most recent capacity, Joan continued to empower Keystone's Vision as Project Manager for Senior Vice President of Operations for Keystone Service Systems. In this capacity, she was the driving force behind Keystone's initiative to systematize policies and procedures throughout our entire organization.

Comments Dr. Janet Kelley, Vice President of Clinical and Quality Services, “With her enormous longevity and breadth of Keystone experience, Joan was the ideal person to devise an encompassing strategy to ensure consistency throughout our entire family of agencies. Her unique insights, as well as her historical perspective, will be greatly missed.”

Adds KHS President Dennis Felty, “Having people like Joan – who dedicated virtually her entire life and career to Keystone – is what helps to ensure the continuity and integrity of our enduring Vision. We have benefited greatly from Joan's dedication over the last 30 years, and will miss her special gift for reaffirming our values while remaining optimally responsive to evolving community needs.”

Ever a Keystone enthusiast, Joan plans to continue consulting with Keystone on a part-time basis. Even so, as she prepares to shift her focus away from work and toward her more personal, leisure-time aspirations, the entire Keystone family expresses heart-felt appreciation and warm wishes for Joan's continued health and fulfillment in the coming years.