SSPHA Board Members
Christine Rembert DNP, MSN, BSN, RN, BSBA , Facility Director
Mary Starke Harper Geriatric Psychiatry Center (205) 366-3010. christine.rembert@harper.mh.alabama.gov
Christine Rembert, DNP, MSN, BSN, RN, BSBA, is the Director/CEO of Mary Starke Harper Geriatric Psychiatry under the auspices of the Alabama Department of Mental Health. Prior to her appointment, she served in nursing administration within the department. Dr. Rembert has a wealth of experience in clinical nursing instruction and administrative capacities in higher education. She earned her Doctorate in Nursing Practice and Master of Science in Nursing degrees from the University of South Alabama, a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from the University of Alabama, Capstone College of Nursing, and a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration and Commerce from the University of West Alabama.
James Scoggins , CEO
Arkansas State Hospital (501) 251-6381. James.Scoggins@dhs.arkansas.gov
James Scoggins, J.D. R.N. has worked in the Office of Substance Abuse and Mental Health at the Arkansas State Hospital for the past 27 years. He attended the University of Arkansas at Little Rock earning a Bachelor of Science in Nursing, a Bachelor of Arts in Psycholgy, and a Juris Doctorate in Law. Mr. Scoggins began his career on the clinical side as a psychiatric nurse, then ventured out to explore a career in law, before returning to his passion of working in healthcare and starting his career in hospital administration where he has held several positions including his current title of Hospital Administrator/CEO at the Arkansas State Hospital since 2020. He is a trained mediator and has completed Six Sigma Green Belt training. He has served as a guest lecturer at Harding University’s School of Nursing, Guest Lecturer for Professional’s in Psychiatric Nursing (PiPN), as a InterRAI Expert Panelist for Adult and Children’s Psyche, and is currently serves on the Advisory Board for the University of Arkansas Medical Sciences School of Nursing.
Linda G. Williams , Statewide Policy Administrator
Substance Abuse and Mental Health, (904) 485-9758, Linda.Williams@myflfamilies.com
Linda G. Williams is the policy administrator for the state-operated, mental health treatment facilities in Florida. She has been employed with the state for over 30 years, serving in various executive, managerial and administrative capacities. Ms. Williams holds the distinction of being the first female Hospital Administrator of Florida’s largest civil facility. She possesses a Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration from Talladega College and a Master of Science in Management from Troy University. She is also a Certified Public Manager, a Six Sigma Green Belt, a former Florida Sterling Examiner and a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.
Charles Li , Regional Hospital Administrator
Georgia Regional Hospital Atlanta, (404) 243-2110, Charles.Li@dbhdd.ga.gov
Dr. Charles Li is a trained psychiatrist. He has over thirty years of experience in the mental health and intellectual disability field as a clinician, administrator, provider, consultant and trainer. His recent appointments included Regional Hospital Administrator, Director of Hospital Operations, and Assistant Commissioner for Developmental Disabilities with Georgia Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities.
Rebecca (Becky) Frost , Facility Director
Western State Hospital, (270) 889-6025, RebeccaJ.Frost@ky.gov
As the Facility Director for Western State Hospital, Mrs. Rebecca Frost is the fifth person to hold the position as well as the first woman and nurse to be named director in the facility’s history. In addition to being a registered nurse, she has a Master of Science in Nursing and a Master of Business Administration with a focus in Healthcare Management. During her time at Western State Hospital, Frost has functioned as a direct care nurse, Quality Performance Coordinator, Nurse Executive, and Associate Facility Director for Clinical Services.
Hampton P.S. Lea , CEO
Eastern Louisiana Mental Health Systems, (225) 634-0216, Hampton.Lea@la.gov
Mr. Lea has served as CEO for Eastern Louisiana Mental Health System (ELMHS) since 2013. Prior to that, he served as the assistant administrator and Chief Operating Officer for the Forensic Division. ELMHS is comprised of two psychiatric hospitals, two adult residential group home programs for those with forensic history, and the Community Forensic Services Department. ELMHS manages 581 inpatient beds, 124 ELMHS forensic group home beds, 187 contracted group home beds, and over 600 conditionally released clients throughout the state of Louisiana. Mr. Lea is a graduate of Southeastern Louisiana University and worked in private industry for a few years before beginning his career with the Forensic Division of ELMHS in 1992 working with the Forensic Rehabilitation Department.
Paul Callens, Ph.D. , Director
North Mississippi State Hospital, (662) 690-4200, pcallens@nmsh.state.ms.us
Dr. Paul A. Callens has served the state of Mississippi in mental health programs for the past 28 years. In that time he has been exposed to every aspect of mental health and the related fields serviced by the Mississippi Department of Mental Health. Working early in his career in clinical services, Callens soon advanced to a variety of administrative positions before becoming the director of North Mississippi State Hospital located in Tupelo, MS. He has served this hospital as its director since shortly after its opening in 1999. Dr. Callens is a graduate of Delta State University where he earned a Bachelor of Business Administration degree in General Business and Management. He also received both his Master of Education and Ph.D. from Mississippi State University in the area of Educational Psychology. He is also a graduate of State Executive Development Institute of the Stennis Institute of Government at Mississippi State University. Dr. Callens is also licensed by the state of Mississippi as a Nursing Home Administrator and holds various certifications from the Mississippi Department of Mental Health and the Mississippi State Personnel Board. He is married to Renea Callens and has four children ranging in ages from 22 to 10. Dr. Callens also serves as an adjunct instructor for both Itawamba Community College and the University of Mississippi.
Dale C. Armstrong , CEO
Cherry Hospital, (919) 947-8180, Dale.Armstrong@dhhs.nc.gov
Veteran of the United States Army Mechanized Infantry and served as a member of the Presidential Honor Guard Board Certified Fellow in the American College of Healthcare Executives. Hired as CEO of Cherry Hospital in July 2018. Prior to becoming CEO of Cherry Hospital served as Deputy Secretary for Division of State Operated Healthcare Facilities; as VP of Regional Operations for WakeMed Health & Hospitals; CEO of Central Carolina Hospital in Sanford NC and Regional CEO for Behavioral Health Hospitals in Florida, Georgia, North & South Carolina. Married to Anne Armstrong. 2 adult children and 4 grandchildren. Enjoys playing guitar, mandolin, bass & ukulele; jogging, trail biking and hiking.