The Mental Health Association in New Jersey doesn’t add board members one at a time this month — it adds four.
Lei Chen, John Lonsdorf, Suzanne Kunis and Yannick Ladson join MHANJ’s Board of Trustees, and each arrives with a résumé that already overlaps with the nonprofit’s work.’
Here’s the breakdown, with thoughts from MHANJ CEO Carolyn Beauchamp.
Chen spent years as a Managing Director at JPMorgan Chase and Goldman Sachs, then held senior leadership roles at American Express, where she led fraud and credit risk strategy. She now advises financial services and fintech companies on product strategy, growth and risk management, and she sits on the board of Purple Swans, a New Jersey nonprofit focused on cultural exchange and community impact — a group that already partners with MHANJ on mental health awareness and training.
“Lei has been a valued partner to MHANJ over the past several years, serving as a key liaison in our collaboration with Purple Swans on mental health awareness and training initiatives,” Beauchamp said. “Her insight, leadership and commitment to advancing mental health will be instrumental as we continue to expand our reach and impact.”
Lonsdorf is CEO Emeritus of Bridgewater-based R&J Strategic Communications, the agency he founded in 1986 and built into one of the region’s leading strategic communications consultancies — now marking its 40th anniversary. A 2019 inductee into the New Jersey Advertising Hall of Fame, he’s written widely on brand building and integrated marketing and has spoken at national conferences. His past board service includes Integrity House, the New Jersey Advertising Club, Ammon Foundation and the American Diabetes Foundation.
“John has been a valued consultant and volunteer with MHANJ for several years, and we have long appreciated the enthusiasm and thoughtful perspective he brings to our work,” Beauchamp said. “His knowledge of strategic public relations combined with his commitment to our mission is a tremendous asset to our Board.”
Kunis recently retired as President and CEO of NovaWell, an affiliate of Horizon Healthcare Services. A registered nurse by training, she spent more than 30 years in health care, starting in care delivery before moving into management and leadership focused on behavioral health. She joined Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield of New Jersey in 2017 to build the company’s first internal behavioral health strategy and team, work that later grew into NovaWell. Before Horizon, she spent 22 years at Magellan Health Services, where she served as Senior Vice President of Behavioral Health Solutions overseeing clinical operations, member services, network management, quality, sales, employee assistance programs and finance nationwide.
“Suzanne brings extensive experience leading efforts to integrate physical and mental health care and to reduce stigma,” Beauchamp said. “Her expertise and leadership, both here in New Jersey and nationally, will be invaluable assets to our Board.”
Ladson currently serves as Campus Affairs Officer at Bloomfield College of Montclair State University, capping more than 20 years in higher education, mental health counseling, student success and community advocacy. She previously served as Dean of Student Success and Director of the Counseling & Wellness Center at Mercer County Community College, and held faculty counseling positions at the Community College of Philadelphia and Northern Virginia Community College. A Licensed Professional Counselor in New Jersey and Pennsylvania, she also runs a private practice in Voorhees. She’s an active member of MHANJ’s Program Advisory Committee and of Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc.
“We are happy to welcome Yannick to our Board,” Beauchamp said. “She brings a wealth of experience in mental health, education and community leadership, along with a deep commitment to helping people and strengthening the systems that support them.”
