Behavioral Health Panel

Ben Middleton is the Regional Chief Executive Officer for Centerstone, a nonprofit health system specializing in mental health and substance use disorder treatments. As Regional Chief Executive Officer, Middleton is responsible for the leadership and operational oversight of Centerstone’s clinical service lines in Tennessee, North Carolina, and Georgia, as well as strategic business development, fiscal performance and accountability, and the organization’s philanthropic fund development efforts.

Middleton has worked in behavioral health care since 1979, specializing in substance use treatment and the continuum of services for those with mental illnesses. He began his career as an alcohol and drug treatment therapist in Alabama. As a consultant for the Tennessee Department of Mental Health, he led an advisory committee to develop a statewide culturally competent system of care for children and youth. He first joined Centerstone in 1985 and was named Director of Program Development for Alcohol & Drug Services at Centerstone in 1990. Middleton later advanced to Vice President for Core Services and Regional Chief Operating Officer before becoming Regional Chief Executive Officer.

Middleton is an active volunteer board member with the King’s Daughters Home and the Madison Kiwanis. His professional memberships include the Nashville Substance Abuse Forum, Licensed Alcohol and Other Drugs of Abuse Counselor, and National Certified Addiction Counselor II.

Middleton graduated from Oakwood University with a Bachelor of Arts degree in psychology and from Alabama A&M University with a Master of Science degree in clinical psychology.

Laurie Powell serves as CEO with Alliance Healthcare Services (AHS), which provides behavioral health and addiction services to over 22,000 individuals and families at 19 locations throughout Shelby County in Tennessee. 2023 marks 30 years of employment at Alliance where Ms. Powell has previously served in the roles of Vice President of Clinical Services, Deputy Director, and Clinical Director.

Ms. Powell is a member of the Tennessee Association of Mental Health Organizations and currently serves on their Board of Directors and Legislative Committees. She has also served on Mayor Strickland's Community Health Steering Committee, Shelby County Covid-19 task force representing behavioral health, the Shelby County non-profit committee, and the Healing Center's Wellness Clinic Board of Directors. She is dedicated to partnering with the community to "promote wellness", the mission of Alliance Healthcare Services.

Ms. Powell received a bachelor's degree in psychology from the University of Memphis, a master's in sociology from the University of Memphis, and an MSSW from the University of Tennessee, Knoxville.

Alysia Smith Knight is the Executive Director for the Tennessee Association of Mental Health Organizations. TAMHO is the statewide trade association representing Community Mental Health Centers and other nonprofits who provide mental health, addiction, and co-occurring care to Tennesseans across their lifespan. Ms. Smith Knight believes that every individual facing behavioral health challenges can experience hope and healing, and live their best lives when they have timely access to the right services and supports. This is why she is passionate about her role in bringing together providers, state departments, advocacy organizations, and other partners to help resolve some of the most complex issues facing Community Mental Health and the individuals they serve.

In her pervious role as TAMHO’s Director of Policy and Advocacy, Ms. Smith Knight led several successful legislative campaigns that has not only improved state laws, but also infused additional resources in a system that has been woefully underfunded. Ms. Smith Knight serves as an Ambassador with the National Council for Mental Wellbeing where she cultivates partnerships with members of congress.

Ms. Smith Knight earned her Bachelors of Science in Psychology from Xavier University in New Orleans and has Masters in Non-Profit Organization Management from Lipscomb University in Nashville.

Jason Lay is the Vice President and Chief Financial Officer for the McNabb Center located in Knoxville, Tennessee. The McNabb Center is the region's leading nonprofit provider of mental health, substance use, social, and victim services.

In the Center's 74-year history, Jason is the first person to hold the CFO position. He is a Licensed CPA in the State of Tennessee, and his career specializes in Governmental and Nonprofit Accounting. Jason is an active volunteer in both professional and community areas where he currently participates on the TSCPA Health Care Conference Planning Committee, the TSCPA Governmental & Not-For-Profit Conference Planning Committee and serves as the Treasurer of the Tennessee Association of Mental Health Organizations.