Financial Support
Riverbend is a locally incorporated, public not-for-profit corporation. Currently 98% of our revenue is received from Medicare and Medicaid, mental health contracts, insurance and private payers. The balance of revenue is provided by local governments and donations from various sources.
Board of Directors
A 30-member Board of Directors appointed to six-year terms by the cities and counties in Colbert, Franklin, and Lauderdale counties governs Riverbend.
Miranda “Mindy” Crittenden, Lauderdale County
Sylvester White, Lauderdale County
Robert “Bob” Sherrod, Lauderdale County
Julie Fisher Dean, Colbert County
Regina Wright, Colbert County
Kathy Yordy, Colbert County
Mike Mayfield, Franklin County
Deborah Wilson, Franklin County
Angela Townsel, Franklin County
Dr. Linda Austin, Florence
Dr. Freda Coleman-Reed, Florence
Dr. Andrea Hunt, Florence
Mary McGee, Killen
Regina “Gina” Kizer, Killen
Dimple Newell, Killen
Vacant Position, Rogersville
Vacant Position, Rogersville
Vacant Position, Rogersville
Mary Gates, Muscle Shoals
Pam Marks Gargis, Muscle Shoals
Vacant Position, Muscle Shoals
Tom Heflin, Sheffield
Steve Stanley, Sheffield
Dewey E. King, Sheffield
Penelope Johnson, Tuscumbia
Keb Crosslin, Tuscumbia
Katie King, Tuscumbia
Kevin Strickland, Russellville
Vacant Position, Russellville
Vacant Position, Russellville
Riverbend Administration
The staff and facilities of Riverbend is led by Elizabeth James, Chief Executive Officer. Mrs. James manages a staff of over 160 employees.
Liz James, Chief Executive Officer
Mrs. James has been employed by Riverbend Center for Mental Health since 1990. She was named Chief Executive Officer in 2020 after serving in various capacities and had been Chief Clinical Officer/Clinical Director since 1999. She has a Master's degree in Social Work from the University of Tennessee and is a licensed Clinical Social Worker. Liz actively represents Riverbend in local interagency committees.
Steven Berkowitz, Finance Director
Mr. Berkowitz joined Riverbend in 2020. Steven has a Master’s degree in Accounting, a Bachelor’s in Math, and a Minor in Chemistry. Prior to coming to Riverbend, Steven managed Financial Statements and developed reporting for companies for over seven years.
Valerie Wesson, Clinical Director
Ms. Wesson has been employed by Riverbend Center for Mental Health since 1992. Valerie has worked as the Program Manager for Residential Services prior to assuming her role as Clinical Director. Valerie has a Bachelor’s of Arts degree from the University of Alabama, a Master’s of Arts in Community Counseling from the University of North Alabama, and is a Licensed Professional Counselor.