The Montgomery County Alcohol, Drug Addiction and Mental Health Services Board of Trustees voted at an Oct. 21 special meeting to pull back an executive director job offer to Teresa Russell, according to WHIO-TV.
The station reported that a waiting period written into Ohio law prevents Russell from accepting the position until March 2027, and that she separately withdrew her acceptance. Board members said they continue to have confidence in her qualifications and leadership.
The board had brought in BeecherHill, an executive recruitment firm, to run a five-month search covering the country. According to the report, Russell voiced interest in the job in November 2025 without filing a formal application, then removed herself from board discussions, meetings and votes. BeecherHill later named her as a candidate, reached out to her directly and brought her into the selection and interview process. She gave up her board seat in March 2026.
Board Chairman Chief John Porter said the agency's responsibility is to handle the matter openly, follow the law and safeguard the continuity of its work. He added that the board stays supportive of Russell and regrets the uncertainty the situation has caused for her, for staff and for the community.
Christina Sanders will keep serving as interim executive director while the board moves toward an appointment consistent with state law, the report said.