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Jude Uzodinma Iheoma

PROFILE: Dr. Jude Uzodinma Iheoma (Phd), is an administrator, educator, doctor, bureaucrat, community advocate, and humanitarian.

Jude Uzodinma Iheoma was born August 1, 1956 to Mr.& Mrs. John Iheoma of Umuosoehi Oboama, Ezinihitte Mbaise, Imo State. After his Secondary School education at Oraifite Grammar and Obizi High School respectively, he proceeded to the United Sates in 1979 to continue his academic career.Dr. Iheoma holds a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration and three graduate degrees respectively: a Master’s degree in Business Education, a Master’s degree in Counseling and the Doctor of Philosophy in Clinical Psychology.

Dr. Iheoma, a proven bureaucrat, has served the State of New Jersey under the Democratic and  Republican Governors for more than twenty five years in both clinical, administrative, research and policy making positions. He holds an adjunct faculty position as an Assistant Professor in the Department of Graduate Education, Leadership and Counseling at Rider University and a Senior Assistant Professor of Psychology at Mercer County Community College. He is presently the Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Mental Health and Addiction Recovery in Africa (MhARIA);  A Nigerian based  NGO that advocates for public policies that will abrogate discrimination and remove systemic barriers that impede treatment of individuals with Mental illness and Addiction in Nigeria and Africa.

A founding member and chair of the constitution committee of the Diaspora Nigerians Network (DNN).He moderated public policy lectures, town hall meetings that attracted  the Nigerian Foreign Minister of State, the Nigerian Ambassador to US and members of the Diplomatic corpse, for the purpose of creating awareness on issues of advocacy and good governance in Nigeria.

He was appointed the Coordinator of the African Catholic Community in the Arch Diocese of Philadelphia. Advocated for the establishment of the Igbo Catholic Community “The Blessed Iwenne Tansi” and the employment of Igbo Priest in the Arch Dioceses of Philadelphia. Served as the founding Coordinator and established Igbo School for the community in Philadelphia. Dr. Iheoma was later elected the National President of the Igbo Catholic Community and served the term limit of the constitution: Restructured the national convention platform, revised the constitution to include Board of Directors for accountability and transparency, inclusion of women in leadership position and created the forum for our youths and young adults’ participation in our annual conventions. Established Igbo Chaplaincy Standards to guide the establishment of Igbo Catholic Communities in the United States.

Dr. Iheoma was a founding Member of the Coalition of African Organization, Philadelphia and was elected the first President of the organization and represented African Community in Philadelphia at the Mayor’s Commission on African affairs.  He was also a founding member of Oboama Development Union, USA (ODUUSA), elected President and served the constitutional term limit: Led the fundraising effort that procured Electrical Transformer that was donated to Oboama Community in his first term. In his second term, raised more money and started a multi-purpose six classroom building in Oboama Village in Ezinihitte Local Government of Imo State. Dr. Iheoma also served as the President of Mbaise Association of Delaware Valley where he raised funds for health and education improvements for our children in the United States and various communities in Mbaise.

He is a member of the Mbaise Leadership conference that advocates for the social and political welfare of the Mbaise citizens home and abroad.  He was a US  delegate to Ezuruezu Mbaise on various social and political issues affecting Mbaise citizens.

He has held key Government appointments in the States of New Jersey and Pennsylvania and served in these capacities: State of New Jersey Opioid Treatment Authority, Treatment Network Representative: New Jersey, New York, Puerto Rico and the Virgin Island, Project Director, Medication Assisted Treatment Initiative. Dr. Iheoma has served in various Boards and commissions: New Jersey Mental Health Planning Board, New Jersey Pharmaceutical Advisory Council, City of Philadelphia Mayor’s Commission on African Affairs, Philadelphia Multicultural Affairs Congress, Philadelphia Museum of Art, African Art, African Voices Committee, New Jersey Mental Health Advisory Board, Oboama Development Union USA, Igbo Catholic Community USA.

Honors: Dr. Iheoma has been bestowed with several leadership honors and awards in the United States and his home community Oboama Ezinihitte. He was awarded Service and Dedication Award by the Philadelphia Multicultural Congress, Outstanding Leadership and Service Award – Igbo Catholic Community USA, Service and Appreciation Award – Trenton City Council, Echoes of Africa Spirit Award – City of Philadelphia, Appreciation and Service  – Rider University, Outstanding Service in Health Administration – FAI-HO-CHA Club, City Council of Philadelphia Citation on meritorious record of leadership,Who’s is Who in Medicine and Healthcare- Marquis Millennium Edition. He is a member of the Oboama Autonomous Community Traditional Ruler’s Cabinet and holds the Chieftaincy title of NNANYEREUGO1 OF OBOAMA. He is a Fourth Degree Night of Columbus in the Catholic Church.

HE is married to Dr. (Mrs.) Esochi Iheoma and they have five children.