Kristi Daugherty has been named chief executive officer (CEO) of Emergence Health Network, the mental health and intellectual disabilities authority for El Paso County. Daugherty had been serving as interim chief executive officer since January 2012 for Emergence, formerly known as Mental Health and Mental Retardation (MHMR).  She has been with the agency since 2008 and had previously served as the center’s chief clinical officer. The Emergence Board of Trustees voted to offer Daugherty the position after a recommendation from a board-appointed selection committee comprised of trustees and community stakeholders. 

“After vetting qualified candidates from across the state and across the country, the board is confident that Ms. Daugherty has the experience, knowledge and expertise to lead Emergence Health Network during this time of great change in the healthcare industry,” said Jacob Cintron, trustee and chair of the CEO Selection Committee.

Daugherty is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in Texas and a Licensed Independent Social Worker in New Mexico.  She has a Master’s Degree in Social Work from New Mexico State University and over 15 years of experience in private and public behavioral health delivery systems.

 “I would like to thank the Emergence Board of Trustees for this opportunity,” says Daugherty.  “We are entering a new era in the delivery of mental health services, and I look forward to working with our dedicated board, staff and community advocates to enhance services and improve the lives of those we serve.”

Tewiana C. Norris has been named director of nursing for Emergence Health Network.  In her role, Norris will be responsible for the provision of nursing services in accordance to the legal, regulatory, organizational and medical staff guidelines. Her bachelor’s degree is in nursing from New Mexico State University and her master’s degree in management & leadership is from Webster University.  Her varied experience includes nursing, adult probation, case management, crisis intervention, care planning and client assessment. 

Emergence Health Network provides services to 7,000 individuals in mental health, developmental and intellectual disabilities programs and offers 24-hour intervention services to individuals in psychiatric crisis.