Photo by Ryan McGill – Blanton Media Group
Northwest Alabama Mental Health Center (NWAMHC) named April Knight as the organization’s new Executive Director in March 2024. An experienced leader in the mental health field, Knight succeeds Skip Newman, who has served as interim Executive Director since December 2023.
Knight, a long-time employee of NWAMHC, brings nearly 34 years of experience within the organization, most recently holding the position of Director of Prevention Services. In her previous role, Knight led Substance Abuse Prevention activities and programs across an eight-county catchment, showcasing her leadership in planning, executing, and enhancing mental health services in the community.
Knight’s dedication to mental health extends beyond her professional endeavors, demonstrated by her involvement in developing the State Standards Manual for Prevention Services and active participation in numerous state and local advisory boards and workgroups. Her extensive experience in public speaking, grant writing, and fundraising highlights her capability to advocate for mental health awareness and support at all levels.
Knight holds a bachelor’s degree in psychology from the University of Alabama and a master’s degree in business and management with a concentration in leadership and motivation from Troy University.
“Northwest is home. I started working here as a 22-year-old and have grown up as a professional at Northwest. I can’t think of a greater honor than being entrusted with taking care of our clients and staff as Executive Director,” Knight says. “This is truly my dream job. I’m looking forward to getting out and visiting with our staff and clients at our different locations.”
About Northwest: Northwest Alabama Mental Health Center is a nonprofit governed by a board of directors from Fayette, Lamar, Marion, Walker and Winston Counties, specializing in substance use services, mental health services, and children & adolescent services across the five-county radius, with prevention services and intellectual disability services in the five-county catchment plus Colbert, Franklin, and Lauderdale Counties. For more information, please call (205) 302.9000, visit www.nwamhc.com, or connect on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/nwamhc.
