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To Recognize and Honor the Career and Achievements of Paul Coleman
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WHEREAS, Paul Coleman served on the Board of Directors for Maryhaven for 25 years, and in his most recent capacity, he was the President and Chief Executive Officer for the organization; and
WHEREAS, Paul graduated from The Ohio State University in 1965 with a Bachelor of Arts in English Language and Literature, and he went on to attend The Ohio State University’s Moritz College of Law. As an attorney, Paul served as head of the Governor's Office for Recovery Services for former Gov. Richard F. Celeste before being named to the Maryhaven position in August of 1991. He was also deputy director of the Ohio Department of Public Welfare under Gov. John J. Gilligan; and
WHEREAS, during his time at Maryhaven and throughout most of his life Paul has acted as a staunch proponent for the benefits of drug and alcohol treatment. He is noted by many as a crusader for both the defense and continued implementation of these services; and
WHEREAS, from the time that Paul arrived at Maryhaven, through his leadership and the dedication of he and his staff, the facility has gone from treating less than 2,000 patients a year to treating over 10,000 patients a year. The agency has since become accredited for behavioral health and addiction recovery services, and it now has 25 programs employed in Franklin County and five other counties; and
WHEREAS, the work that Paul has done for those afflicted with drug and alcohol addiction and also with problems of mental health has gone to solidify the need for and efficacy of treatment services. His work and unwavering dedication to these causes has gone on to strengthen the communities of not only Central Ohio, but the communities of the entire state by creating a pillar of support and hope to those who are disparaged by abuse and addiction; now therefore,
BE IT RESOLVED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF COLUMBUS:
That this Council does hereby declare the distinguished, Paul Coleman, be praised and recognized for his commitment and leadership to helping those in need of drug and alcohol abuse and addiction treatment. His efforts have legitimized abuse and addiction treatment services, and his devotion is worthy of the utmost respect.