David G. Wilhelm, Associate Director of Community Support and Substance Abuse Service for the Marion Area Counseling Center, has announced his retirement after thirty-nine years of service to the Marion Community.
David started his professional career at the Marion Area Counseling Center in 1976 after completing his Graduate Degree from Wright State University. While pursuing his Graduate Degree he was also serving his 4 year commitment in the Air Force at Wright Patterson Air Force Base where he worked at the Medical Center on the Mental Health floor. He started at the Marion Area Counseling Center as a therapist. In 1988 he became a Clinical Associate Director with the responsibilities for all the specialized services MACC provides to those clients with severe and persistent mental illnesses and Crisis Services.
Over the past 25 years his duties have expanded to include being the Primary Probate Pre-screener for Marion County which includes overseeing the involuntary hospitalization process. He was also designated the Marion County Forensic Monitor with the responsibility of monitoring individuals who have been determined to be “not guilty by reason of insanity” or “un-restorable to competency to stand trial”. In the last four years he has also been assigned the administrative responsibility for the Chemical Dependency Treatment services that MACC provides.
Within his various capacities he has been the primary liaison between MACC and Marion General Hospital ER and Mental Health Unit; Law Enforcement; and the State Hospital system. He also frequently interacts with all levels of the local Court system and has been the primary trainer for local law enforcement and the general community on topics related to mental illness and drug and alcohol issues.
Beverly Young, Executive Director of the Marion Area Counseling Center, said that David has touched countless lives in Marion County and, throughout his tenure as Associate Director had meaningful impact through his community service, including Coordinator of Youth Services for the Marion Noon Kiwanis, Assistant Scout Master for Troop 50 of the Boy Scouts, and a Judge for the district Science Fair.
“David’s commitment and timeless service to the Marion community has been phenomenal and his leadership will truly be missed by all of us,” said Young.
A celebration of his work and retirement will be held on Friday, July 24, 2015 in the Upper Room of the Warehouse Restaurant from 4:00 pm – 7:00 pm. The event is open to the community for those wanting to join in this celebration.
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