MONTGOMERY – Governor Robert Bentley on Tuesday officially swore in Jim Reddoch as commissioner of the Alabama Department of Mental Health. "I am delighted to welcome Jim Reddoch as the newest member of my cabinet," Governor Bentley said. "The Alabama Department of Mental Health has made tremendous progress to move consumers into a more modern, community-based care network where they can successfully thrive in their communities. Jim has spent his career helping consumers of mental health services and is a welcomed addition to the department. I appreciate his willingness to serve and look forward to his leadership of the Alabama Department of Mental Health."

Reddoch has had experience in nearly every area of mental health services in the state. Most recently, Reddoch served as executive director of Indian Rivers Mental Health Center in Tuscaloosa. Reddoch was director of the Taylor Hardin Secure Medical Facility from 2000 to 2009. During his tenure at Taylor Hardin, Reddoch was also designated as an assistant attorney general for the state of Alabama. Before serving as director of Taylor Hardin, Reddoch was the director of Bryce Hospital in Tuscaloosa from 1992 to 2000. He was also a deputy commissioner for the Department of Mental Health from 1988 to 1992.

Reddoch said, “I am very honored and privileged to be selected to Governor Bentley’s cabinet as mental health commissioner. We have a good relationship and have known each other for a number of years.” Reddoch went on to say, “Our department is committed to providing the best mental health care and treatment for the people of Alabama. We will offer an array of services throughout the state, which will further our progress in outpatient treatment, community integration and residential programs. I also look forward to working with our network of state hospitals, which provide first-class treatment, clinical services and individualized treatment plans.”

Reddoch replaces Zelia Baugh, who resigned last month.