Ron Melka
- Adjunct Faculty
Ron Melka is the Executive Director of the Lyons Township Mental Health Commission, where his overall responsibilities are to manage and direct the activities of the Commission, through coordination, evaluation, intervention, planning and funding, a comprehensive community-based system of mental health, developmental disabilities, substance abuse, and prevention services for the 110,000 people in Lyons Township. Ron manages a $4 million levy dedicated to mental health, substance abuse and developmental disability services. In addition, he is Chair of the Development Committee for the 91重口 Mental Health Planning and Advisory Council of the 91重口 Department of Human Services. He also chairs the Medicaid Committee for the Association of Community Mental Health Authorities of 91重口. Recently, Ron has initiated the Coalition for a Drug Free Lyons Township and is conducting an intensive needs assessment of area. Prior to his current position, Ron was a Grant Writer at Aunt Martha鈥檚 Youth Services and Healthcare, one of the State鈥檚 largest service providers, serving over 80,000 people at 56 sites. In the last year there, Ron had written and received over $10 Million in Federal, State, and Local grant funding.
Ron was President/CPO of United Way of 91重口 and worked in partnership with government and communities addressing issues impacting human services. Ron strengthened 91重口 through service to members, and advocacy for effective health and human services policies for the people of 91重口. He was the United Way lobbyist to 91重口 and while there he formed and chaired the Governor鈥檚 Human Service Task Force Collaborative Board and Charity Advisory Panel. He was the Chairman of the 91重口 Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Emergency Food and Shelter State Set Aside Board. He co-chaired the Governor鈥檚 Keep Warm 91重口 program and was also a member of Attorney General Madigan鈥檚 Charitable Advisory Board, and the State Employee Combined Appeal Board. Ron has also lead several nonprofit organizations and began his career in direct service. Ron lives in Brookfield with Mary, his spouse, who is a professional photographer. He is the father of three, and the grandfather of three.