photo by: Contributed

Ruby Johnson

Suicide prevention nonprofit HeadQuarters Kansas on Wednesday announced a new interim leader.

Ruby Johnson, who according to a release from HeadQuarters Kansas previously served as vice chair of the nonprofit’s board of directors and has more than 20 years of experience in mental health and nonprofit management, has been appointed interim executive director. HeadQuarters Kansas is based in Lawrence and operates as the crisis center for all 105 Kansas counties when calling 988, the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline.

“These changes come alongside internal reorganization of policies and procedures within HQKansas,” the release reads. “All of these changes are being made to ensure the success of the organization moving forward. HQKansas is dedicated to continuing its vital services without interruption. This includes the operation of the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, which remains a critical resource for the community.”

The release notes that while discussions about future funding for the organization remain ongoing at the state level, all of its services — including those funded by the state and Douglas County — continue to be active and accessible.

Johnson replaces another interim director, Becky Price, who was appointed to the role in February after previously serving as the Ballard Center’s CEO for seven years. The last permanent leader at HeadQuarters Kansas, Steve Devore, resigned Jan. 26.