The County Press

County Mental Health names Emmons CEO agency after death of Robert Sprague




Lauren Emmons

Lauren Emmons

MAYFIELD TWP. — The Lapeer County Community Mental Health (CMH) Board announced April 26 that it has selected Lauren Emmons, as chief executive officer to lead CMH. Emmons has been the COO for CMH for about nine years and was clinical director for about eight years prior to becoming the COO. He has been the interim CEO, since Dr. Robert Sprague went on a medical leave in early 2017. Dr. Sprague retired in December 2017. He died May 2, 2018 at age 67 following a battle with brain cancer.

Sprague was hired on as director of CMH in 2009, and until his retirement late last year, his positive impact on the community, the organization he helmed and the people with whom he worked was immeasurable.

“The one word I have is visionary,” said Lapeer City Commissioner and Chairman of Lapeer County CMH Board of Directors Catherine Bostick- Tullius. “He could look forward and see the things we needed to do as an agency.”

Sprague’s reputation as a visionary was known throughout the community. According to Judge Laura Cheger Barnard, who worked with Sprague in conjunction with mental health court, Sprague’s knack for looking toward the future was invaluable.

Emmons was selected to serve as CEO, after public interviews were conducted with the two final candidates.

Emmons has worked at CMH for 32 years in various positions. He holds a master’s degree in social work from Michigan State University, a bachelor’s degree in psychology and social work from Spring Arbor College, and a bachelor’s degree in liberal arts from John Wesley University.

He serves on the board for the Family Literacy Center, and is a past board member of Security Credit Union.

Nicholas Pugliese contributed to this report.