After an exhaustive, national search, Ventress was appointed from a pool of 15 applicants. "I am pleased to have someone of Mr. Ventress‘s background and qualifications assume the helm at Moccasin Bend. I am confident that working together, we can continue our commitment to provide quality care to those we serve at Moccasin Bend," said Commissioner Rukeyser.

Prior to this appointment, Ventress was an Independent Consultant in Centreville, Maryland. There he delivered consultation services to organizations in the Washington D.C. and Baltimore region.

In 1974, Ventress earned a bachelor of science degree from the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga. He later completed a master’s degree in counseling psychology from the University of Tennessee at Knoxville and a master’s degree in public health administration at the University of Georgia.

In addition to his consulting work, Ventress’s professional experience includes service as: Vice President of Operations and Special Projects for BHMA, L.L.C. in Bethesda, Md., Regional Director of Residential Services for Behavioral Health Systems, Northeast Region in Rockville, Md. and Chief Executive Officer for Charter Behavioral Health Systems of Maryland at Potomac Ridge and Fairbridge also in Rockville, Md.

Ventress’s local ties include being Director of Alcohol and Drug Services at the Joseph W. Johnson Mental Health Center Inc. in Chattanooga from 1977-1981. He also was an Assistant Program Director and Unit Social Worker at Moccasin Bend Mental Health Institute from 1973-1977.