NAMI-Utah Names Robin Holcomb Permanent Executive Director
As an organization that offers support and resources for people who are experiencing tumultuous events in their own lives, the Utah state organization of the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI-Utah) is no stranger to navigating change. However, the last year has brought challenges that would have daunted any organization; financial instability, a sudden loss of leadership, and the temporary shuttering of NAMI’s signature peer-support programs all threatened the stability of a resource that has been a cornerstone of community-based mental health services in Utah for 40 years. Fortunately, a lot can improve in a year, and the NAMI Utah board is delighted to announce the elevation of Robin Holcomb to permanent Executive Director.
In its search for the person to lead NAMI-Utah into the future, the Board identified in Robin a leader with longstanding ties to NAMI and a passion for community mental health education and support. The Board was particularly struck by Holcomb's extensive experience with peer-led education, and her dedication to NAMI's mission over the last decade. Having worked in the non-profit sphere since 1990, Holcomb brings not only enthusiasm for the mission of NAMI but also experience laying the groundwork for organizations to thrive beyond a single leader’s tenure.
For anyone familiar with NAMI Utah, Holcomb's name is likely to be familiar as she has previously served as Programs Director for the organization since 2014, and she stepped into the role of interim Executive Director in late 2024. Under her direction and boundless enthusiasm, in the past year the organization has been able to move to financial stability, resume offering lifesaving, peer-led support for the wider Utah community, and rebuild relationships with partners from across the state.
Working with an organization that provides support for those experiencing mental illness as well as support for their loved ones is not without its challenges, and in her role as Programs Director, Holcomb was consulted by the national NAMI chapter for her expertise on data collection, addressing sensitive topics in support groups, and the organization’s transition to online support during the COVID-19 crisis. Holcomb's experience both as the programs director and interim executive director ensures that NAMI’s impact in Utah will continue for years to come as a resource for Utahns experiencing mental health challenges.
