Al Rowlett and Rayshell Chambers are new Chair and Vice Chair, respectively, as Commission looks to implement the Behavioral Health Services Act on July 1, 2026.
SACRAMENTO – With 27 seated Commissioners, a new committee structure, and an emphasis on transparency, the Commission for Behavioral Health is finishing off the year strong by electing current Vice Chair Al Rowlett to the office of chair of the Commission, and Commissioner Rayshell Chambers to serve as vice chair for the new term beginning January 1, 2026.
The Commissioners were elected to their respective offices unanimously during the Commission’s most recent meeting on November 20, 2025. Their terms will be in effect for one year, guiding the Commission through the official implementation date of the voter-approved Behavioral Health Services Act (BHSA) on July 1, 2026.
Governor Newsom’s landmark legislation is part of his administration’s larger effort to address homelessness, mental health challenges, and substance use disorder problems facing Californians across the state, with an emphasis on those most in need. The BHSA includes bonds for infrastructure implemented by the Department of Health Care Services and Housing and Community Development, adjustments in county funding allocations, and an Innovation Partnership Fund to be implemented by the Commission.
“I’m honored to have been nominated by my fellow Commissioners to lead the Commission at such a key moment as we begin our full transition to the BHSA,” said Rowlett. “The Commission has done exceptional work under the leadership of Chair Alvarez in centering our work around transparency with the larger behavioral health community, whose voice is the most important in guiding our work moving forward.”
Rowlett, currently serving in his first term as vice chair, was appointed to the Commission in 2021 by Governor Newsom to fill the seat of a mental health professional. Rowlett also serves as chair of the Commission’s newly-formed Budget and Fiscal Advisory Committee.
A native of Texas, Rowlett dedicated more than four decades to Turning Point Community Programs, beginning in 1981, and was named chief executive officer in 2014 before retiring from the organization this past year, with the honor of being named chief executive officer emeritus.
Rowlett was a volunteer clinical professor at the University of California, Davis, Department of Psychiatry, co-directing the Community Psychiatry seminar for residents and served as an adjunct professor for the CSUS Mental Health Services Act cohort. In 2014, Assembly Speaker Tony Pérez appointed Rowlett to the California Institute for Regenerative Medicine Board. He was reappointed in 2020 by Assembly Speaker Anthony Rendon and served through 2023.
Chambers was appointed to the Commission in May of 2022 by Governor Newsom to fill the seat of a representative of clients and consumers. Chambers also serves as chair of the Client, Family, and Community Inclusion, Lived Experience, and Diversity Advisory Committee.
Chambers is a systems-change advocate and co-founder of Painted Brain, a peer-led, Los Angeles–based nonprofit building community-driven solutions to mental health challenges. She develops culturally responsive programs that integrate peer support, clinical partnerships, and workforce development to transform behavioral health care. Rayshell also consults with nonprofits serving communities of color and is leading national efforts to expand access to Psychiatric Advance Directives (PADs).
“Thank you to my fellow Commissioners for entrusting me to guide the Commission’s work as we continue in this new era of transparency with the communities we serve,” said Chambers. “As a peer, I know firsthand the importance of listening to these communities and letting their voices steer our work toward best meeting their needs.”
“It is my goal to ensure that every policy and program developed for individuals with behavioral health challenges is co-created with their voices. I will uplift the core value that people heal best in community and that it is our collective responsibility to contribute to strengthening all Californians.”
About the Commission:
The Behavioral Health Services Oversight and Accountability Commission, known as the Commission for Behavioral Health (CBH) and formerly the Mental Health Services Oversight and Accountability Commission, was initially established to oversee implementation of Proposition 63 (the Mental Health Services Act of 2004) and to drive innovation and accountability in California’s mental health system.
The CBH champions wellbeing for all Californians through behavioral health prevention and intervention, including mental health and substance use disorders. By working with community partners, individuals with lived experience, family members, State agencies, and the Legislature we help to increase public understanding, catalyze best practices, and inspire innovation. Our goal: accelerating transformational change.