March 12, 2025

Statement from NYS Assembly Member Anna Kelles

“Each year I ask for nominations from the community for a Women of Distinction award. This year my office was overwhelmed by an astounding list of 23 women that each in their own right have changed our world for the better. Throughout the rest of the month, I will be sharing everyone who was nominated so we can celebrate them together for all their spark, spunk, sass, heart, love, brilliance, and fire.

Although an almost impossible feat, my staff collectively selected a nominee as the woman of distinction to bring to Albany to represent our district. This year, I am honored to recognize Josephine Gibson, a woman whose leadership has transformed mental health services in Tompkins County, providing hope and support to thousands in our community.

For 25 years, Josephine Gibson has been instrumental in the growth and enduring impact of The Mental Health Association in Tompkins County. As Chief Executive Officer for the past decade, she has championed a peer support model that has become a lifeline for people, expanding community support and advocacy while fostering a workplace culture that prioritizes the well-being of her staff. As the prevalence of co-occurring mental health and substance use disorder continues to grow, Josephine has integrated substance use and recovery services into the MHA peer advocacy model collaborating with other healthcare agencies and workforce development programs, and has become an indispensable resource and partner to the Tompkins County Court, the Family Treatment Court, and office of Probation as well as the City of Ithaca Wellness and Recovery Court. At a time where mental health support is more critical than ever — especially as we continue to navigate the long-term effects of COVID-19 — Josephine’s community leadership has literally saved lives and kept families together.

Our state and country are facing an escalating mental health crisis, worsened by a declining number of mental health professionals. Compounding this challenge is a demographic gap that can occur between providers and the communities they serve—an issue that can affect trust and the success of treatment. Peer support helps bridge this gap by connecting individuals with peer specialists who share similar lived experiences and backgrounds. This approach fosters empathy and validation creating a foundation of trust for meaningful long-term support and recovery. In fact, many who have benefited from peer support at MHA return as mentors. The model, offering no-cost mental health services, demonstrates that recovery is accessible to everyone, especially when barriers to care are removed and lived experience is valued. During her tenure Josephine has built an organization that goes beyond providing services—it truly empowers.

This Women’s History Month, we celebrate Josephine Gibson—not just for her leadership, but for her commitment to a future where mental health care is inclusive, compassionate, and transformative. Josephine, your work has changed lives. Our community is stronger because of you. We see you, we celebrate you, and we thank you.