Jeff Fladen
Nominated by NAMI Tennessee
Member, NAMI Davidson County (TN)
Listen to Jeff's Candidate Speech
Job Title or Position:
- Mental Health Advocate and Consultant
NAMI Leadership Experience:
- NAMI National Board of Directors, 2021-present
- NAMI Tennessee, Executive Director, 2013-2023
NAMI Program Leader Experience:
Additional NAMI Involvement:
- NAMI Smarts for Advocacy, former Executive Director Executive Committee member, recipient of Vicki Cottrell Leadership Award
Board Service:
- I am currently a board member of The Behavioral Health Foundation and Tennessee Respite Coalition. Former board member of Middle Tennessee Mental Health Center (hospital) and the Healing Arts Project, Nashville, TN.
Relationship to Mental Health:
- Individual with first-person experience of mental illness, Family member or direct support of someone with mental illness, Provider/mental health professional/employee in the field, Other professional
Candidate Strengths Assessment
The candidate indicated they have experience in the following areas that will help NAMI achieve its mission and strategic goals:
- Advocacy, Banking/Trusts/Investments, Business/Nonprofit Administration, Business/Nonprofit Leadership, Criminal Justice, Financial Management/Accounting, Mental Health Service/Support, Philanthropy/Donor Cultivation
The candidate indicated they have connections and networks in the following areas:
- Criminal Justice, Lobbying, Marketing/Public Relations, Philanthropy, Social Media, Traditional Media
Candidate Leadership Style
The candidate indicated the following descriptors represent their leadership style:
- Action-oriented, Consensus Builder, Data Driven, Innovator, Process Thinker, Team Player
Candidate Narrative
The candidate indicated specific skill areas identified as high priority for the 2024-2025 Board where they excel and additional skill areas that would be an asset to the NAMI Board:
My blend of experience as a mental health professional, individual living with a mental health condition, 10 years as a NAMI Tennessee Executive Director together with my board service enables me with skills to quickly grasp issues from state, local and national perspectives. My nonprofit management includes board governance, philanthropy, programming, and marcom.
My creativity and innovation as well as my ability to work with diverse populations and constituencies are an asset to the board.
I personally have helped advance the NAMI mission in my community by...
Leadership of our state organization featuring growth, innovation, community collaboration along with affiliate support.
I work well in coordination with other leaders to accomplish goals as evidenced by...
Numerous innovations and partnerships that continue to thrive. As treasurer, I have worked closely with the NAMI CFO and the Budget and Finance Committee to make sure that NAMI is in a strong financial position. I have provided leadership for the development of the new NAMI endowment and have worked diligently as an advocate for NAMI State Organizations and Affiliates. I have a strong background in philanthropy and donor development as well as Criminal Justice and serve on these committees as well as numerous other board initiatives.