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Monarch, a statewide provider of services for those with mental illness, substance use disorders, intellectual and developmental disabilities and traumatic brain injuries, has a new executive vice president and chief financial officer.

Tammy Geis of Waxhaw joined Monarch Sept. 12.

Geis formerly served as chief operating officer of AccessOne MedCard, Inc., of Fort Mill, South Carolina, where she managed all aspects of finance. Before that, she was the vice president of finance for Novant Health’s Southern Piedmont Region, where she led financial and accounting operations.

Geis will manage Monarch’s $92 million budget and work with current CFO Cindy Jones until her retirement in December. Jones has served at Monarch for more than 38 years, being part of the organization’s beginnings providing intellectual and developmental disability services to the addition of a variety of behavioral health, community-based and crisis programs that exist across North Carolina today.

Monarch President and Chief Executive Officer Dr. Peggy Terhune, Ph.D., MBS, OTR/L, said Jones has big shoes to fill.

“Her diligence has resulted in clean audits every single year of her tenure. She has been the key voice ensuring that Monarch’s financial status has been strong,” Terhune said of Jones. “She will be missed, not only for her competence, but for her incredible willingness to learn and grow, while gracefully managing her staff with a kind, caring manner.”

“The majority of my career has been in healthcare whether for the nonprofit or for-profit sectors,” Geis said of her decision to join Monarch. “When you look at Monarch’s mission to empower people and provide support so people can reach their potential, I think that it is very impactful. Joining this company so that I can be part of a team making a positive impact in North Carolina communities makes you feel good about what you are coming to do day after day and gives purpose to your work.”

Geis also notes that the inclusivity of Monarch’s mission was appealing: “It is a privilege to be part of this organization and provide services to the populations we serve, because from my perspective everyone has value and should have the opportunity to be their best self, reach their potential and have an enriching life.”