Board Members

2025-2026 Huron County Mental Health Services Authority Board

Mary Babcock, Port Austin

Mary was appointed to the Huron Behavioral Health Board of Directors in 2019. Ms. Babcock holds a Bachelor Degree in Business Administration from Northwood University. Ms. Babcock retired from Pigeon Telephone Company as the Chief Accountant/Business Office Manager. Ms. Babcock previously worked at Huron County Community Mental Health Services as the Finance/Contract Manager and as a Certified Public Accountant-Senior Accountant at Bendrey, Brining, & Nartker, PC. Mary serves her community as a member of the Board of Commissioners; elected in 2019; Huron County Planning Commission from 1994-2018; Huron County Economic Development Corporation from 1995-present, Chair in 2005; member of the Huron County Community Foundation.

Patty Bock, Bad Axe | Secretary of Board of Directors

Patty was appointed to the HBH Board of Directors in 2018. Patty is a local graduate of Laker Schools, earned Computer Technical Certification through the Control Data Institute of Southfield, Mi. Patty is the mother of 2 adult children, Billy and Madison. Patty is a compassionate and caring individual with extensive experience in Customer Service and Health Care. Patty is also a previous business owner in Bad Axe.

Karen Currie, Bad Axe | Chairperson

Karen was appointed to the Huron Behavioral Health Board of Directors in 2019. Karen is the mother of 3 children and grandmother to 1. Karen holds a Bachelor of Science Degree in Special Education; Master of Arts Degree in Early Childhood Education; and School Administrator Certification. Karen has been employed by the Huron Intermediate School District her entire career as a Classroom Teacher for 17 years; Teacher Consultant for 7 years; Supervisor of Special Education and Director of General Education for 8 years; and currently is the Director of General Education. Karen is a Certified Trainer for educators in multiple disciplines. Karen is the Coordinator of HISD Multi-Tiered System of Support; Coordinator for countywide Professional Learning; Coordinator of KRA Assessment and Data secure sits; District lead for Strategic Planning, Continuous Improvement and Accreditation. Karen is a member of many Professional, Education-advocacy and Local collaborative groups. Karen is responsible for presenting a General Education Fund balanced budget for all of the local school districts within the county with a total budget of $3,000,000.

Mary Anne Carder, Kinde,

Mary Anne was appointed to the Huron Behavioral Health Board of Directors in April 2021. Mary Anne is the mother to one and completed the LPN Nursing Program. Mary Anne was a Licensed Practical Nurse, previous small business owner and bartender.

Richard Swartzendruber, Bad Axe | Vice Chair

Richard was appointed to the Huron Behavioral Health Board of Directors on June 24, 2020. Rich and wife Nancy have 3 adult children. Rich was an elementary teacher for 27 years and a news editor at the Progress Advance for 5 years. Rich served as a County Commissioner for 2 years. Currently serves on the County Planning Commission, Chairman of the Colfax Township Planning Commission and Secretary of the Bad Axe Area Fire Board.

Richard Learman, Bad Axe.

Richard was appointed to the Huron Behavioral Health Board of Directors on August 26, 2020. Richard is married to Sherry and the proud father of 3 children and 7 grandchildren. Richard’s passion of 30 years was being a cash crop/dairy farmer. Richard was a Computer/Network Tech for 14 years before retiring! Richard served 14 years on the School Board and 18 years on the HISD Board.

Thomas Sulowski, Harbor Beach.

Thomas was appointed to the Huron Behavioral Health Board of Directors in April 2023. Tom is married to Amy and holds a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Psychology and Minor in Sociology from the University of Michigan. Thomas is retired from Ford Motor Company.

Jack Stapleton, Bad Axe