There's a new Executive Director for the Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA) Central Region. Jordan Friesen took over the position recently and explains how it feels.

"It feels exciting and overwhelming at the same time. It's that feeling in the pit of your stomach that's pure terror and intense excitement, and that's the feeling you get when you know you're doing something really cool. So that's what it feels like.

Friesen's previous position was at Eden Health Care Services in Winkler, and he outlines some of his qualifications.

"I've been working in the community mental health program there, so I've been a front line clinician. I've also had some experience working on a provincial board, and doing some of that kind of work. So jumping into this position I will say is a learning curve for me, in terms of some of the duties of a director of an organization this size, and that does as much as CHMA does -- but I think I've had some experiences along the way that will hopefully prepare me for it."

Friesen talks about a couple of upcoming CMHA events.

"There's a few things on the radar that I'm looking forward to already. Number 1 is World Suicide Prevention Day, and there's going to be flying kites (today) in the park here in Portage. I'll be heading out to fly some kites in Steinbach as well, which will be a lot of fun. Then in October we have mental illness awareness week and we'll be putting on a heroes gala where we honour heroes of mental health, and we'll hopefully be doing some fundraising then so I'm looking forward to that too."

Friesen says it's too early into his new position to discuss new programming.