EMQ FamiliesFirst CEO Jerry Doyle Retires

Darrell Evora Named CEO
CAMPBELL, Calif.--(Business Wire)--
Jerry Doyle, CEO of EMQ FamiliesFirst http://www.emqff.org will retire as of
June 30, following an impressive 39 years at the helm of what is now
California`s largest children`s services agency. His reputation as a champion
for children in crisis reaches nationwide, and under his leadership the agency
has grown from serving 140 children to approximately 18,000 children and their
family members annually. Darrell Evora, the agency`s president has been named
CEO by the board of directors effective July 1.

"Jerry has been both visionary and single-minded in his vision," said Carroll
Schroeder, executive director of the California Alliance of Children and Family
Services. "He constantly asks, 'What`s best for kids and how do we create an
organization that promotes and delivers what`s best for them?' EMQ FamiliesFirst
is Jerry`s legacy, but his influence extends far beyond the agency, impacting
vulnerable children and families throughout California every day."

Jerry began working with emotionally troubled youth more than 40 years ago,
initially as director of a group residential program for adolescent boys in
Madison, WI. He joined the Eastfield Children`s Center in San Jose (a
predecessor to EMQ) in 1970 and was named executive director later that year.
Since then, Jerry has established himself as an advocate for services for
children and their families. In 1991 EMQ initiated California`s first in-home
Wraparound program as an alternative to institutionalized placement for the most
seriously troubled children, and then successfully pushed for legislation that
resulted in the program being expanded statewide. Today, 95% of children in
California live in counties where Wraparound is available.

Jerry`s extensive list of appointments and awards includes being appointed by
Gov. Schwarzenegger as a commissioner on the Mental Health Services Act
Oversight & Accountability to oversee Prop. 63 mental health funds, and being
awarded the national Harold C. Pipenbrink Award for Excellence in Behavioral
Healthcare Management. He is the past president of both the California Council
of Community Mental Health Agencies and the California Alliance of Children and
Family Services. Jerry will continue in his role as an advocate for children`s
services.

"Because of Jerry`s passion and perseverance, and Darrell`s management of
day-to-day operations, EMQ FamiliesFirst has grown to its position of prominence
in caring for California`s kids in crisis," said Roger Barney, EMQ FamiliesFirst
board chair. "The staff will continue to reach out and help as many children as
possible under Darrell`s leadership."

Darrell Evora, EMQ FamiliesFirst president since 2001, joined the agency in 1994
after a successful career in the high tech industry. In 1999, he was given
statewide responsibility for operations and development of Wraparound services.
Darrell is a board member of the California Alliance of Child and Family
Services. He was formerly a social services commissioner as well as president
for the Association of Mental Health Contract Agencies in Santa Clara County. He
is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, and holds Masters Degrees in both
Business Administration and Counseling Psychology from the University of Santa
Clara.

About EMQ FamiliesFirst

EMQ FamiliesFirst does whatever it takes to help children and families in
crisis. The agency is recognized for innovative mental health treatment, foster
care and social services that help families recover from trauma, abuse and
addiction, and rebuild their lives. EMQ FamiliesFirst fights for sustainable
change and advocates for improvements in the local, state and federal systems
that serve children in need. For more information, please visit
http://www.emqff.org

EMQ Children & Family Services
Kristine Austin, 408-364-4029
kaustin@emqff.org

Copyright Business Wire 2009