Linda Hardie

TITLE:
Executive Director
NYS Energy Research and Development Authority

on which HORIZON BOARD(s) do you serve?
"I joined the Horizon Health Services board in 1986. I have also served on the Horizon Village board and, currently, I serve on the Health Management Group board."

HOW DID YOU COME TO BE ON THE BOARDs?
“In the mid-80s, I was working with the Erie County Legislature on the Health and Mental Health Committee. James Wiegand, the president of the recently-formed Horizon, was looking for government board members. We met and talked and Jim thought my knowledge and interest in mental health would be of great benefit to Horizon as it grew.”

WHAT HAVE YOU FOUND MOST REWARDING ABOUT SERVING ON THE BOARD?
“The opportunity to make decisions that directly affect the lives of our neighbors is very rewarding. Every single family in WNY is affected in some way by mental health issues. I believe quality mental health treatment must be available and accessible to everyone through community-based agencies. I enjoy working with my fellow board members to reach policy-making decisions that continue to allow Horizon to be a quality agency and to innovate new services and grow more responsive in the mental health field every day.”

WHAT DO YOU WANT PEOPLE TO KNOW ABOUT HORIZON?
“Who we are! That we exist! That anyone can have access to quality services provided by dedicated and committed employees who are the very heart and soul of this wonderful organization. Our programs are top notch and our employees very dedicated to our mission.”

ON WHAT OTHER NOT-FOR-PROFIT BOARDS DO YOU CURRENTLY SERVE?
“I also serve on the board of Alleyway Theatre and several of its initiatives, on the WNY Earth Day Steering Committee and on the board of National Clean Cities Incorporated in Washington, DC.”