Leadership Transition at The Guidance Center
Flagstaff, AZ
The Guidance Center (TGC) Board of Directors announced Wednesday, January 25th, that Devon Forrest has been appointed as CEO following the resignation of the current CEO, Lauren Lauder. Dr. Jon Perez, Chairman of the TGC Board expressed appreciation to Ms. Lauder; “Lauren’s calm, steady, and resilient leadership helped guide TGC through dynamic times and develop it into the vital organization it is today.” Ms. Lauder is leaving the area to pursue opportunities in Phoenix, Arizona.
Devon Forrest, MA served as Chief Operating Officer of TGC. She has been a contributing member of the behavioral health and human services community in northern Arizona for more than fifteen years. Since joining TGC in 2018, Ms. Forest had oversight of TGC operations, which also included all technology systems and upgrades, as well as the $10 million full-facility renovation. Dr. Perez stated “We are pleased that the TGC succession plan presented such a strong leader in Ms. Forrest, fully prepared to assume responsibilities as Chief Executive Officer. Under Devon’s leadership we are confident the organization will continue to be the premier
community mental health center for our region.”
Ms. Forrest stated, “I am excited to serve in this new role and to work with the exemplary TGC staff who have the compassion and energy required to deliver, on a daily basis, quality integrated behavioral health solutions.” Ms. Forrest selected Trever Davis DBH, M.Ed, to fulfill the role of Chief Operating Officer. Dr. Davis served as the Chief Clinical Officer at TGC. An expert in integrated health care, he has 20 years of experience serving northern Arizona communities as both a health care provider and in healthcare management.
TGC has undergone significant transformation since 2018 when the organization became an affiliate of The NARBHA Institute. Over the past three years, TGC expanded children’s services, undertook a full facility renovation, and significantly enhanced operations. The TGC team, working collaboratively with community partners, provided unique and groundbreaking services to COVID positive individuals who were also experiencing homelessness.
The Guidance Center is a not-for-profit community mental health center with locations serving Flagstaff, Williams and surrounding Northern Arizona. TGC is committed to creating healthy individuals, families, and communities by delivering quality, integrated behavioral health solutions for individuals and families in the region.
