Melanie Dallas - Chief Executive Officer, Highland Rivers Behavioral Health

What does it take to lead one of Georgia’s largest behavioral health organizations while staying deeply connected to the people you serve?In this episode of The Voice of Hope Podcast, Dr. Ken Huey sits down with Melanie Dallas, CEO of Highland Rivers Behavioral Health, to explore leadership, crisis response, compassion fatigue, trust, and the future of behavioral healthcare.With more than 37 years of experience, Melanie shares powerful lessons from the front lines of crisis care, what first responders taught her about building trust, why many people in crisis need connection more than hospitalization, and how leaders can create cultures where teams feel safe, empowered, and heard.She also opens up about navigating mergers during the pandemic, shaping behavioral health policy in Georgia, and the life-changing moments that remind her why this work matters.This is a conversation about service, resilience, and creating hope where it’s needed most.Learn more about Highland Rivers Behavioral Health:https://highlandrivers.org/about-us/executive-leadership/https://highlandriversfoundation.org/about/