VALPARAISO | When David Lomaka became CEO of Porter-Starke Services seven years ago, the mental health agency had a budget deficit and significant staff turnover while serving 5,000 clients.

The agency is now profitable, has low staff turnover and serves 8,000 clients.

Lomaka, 48, said the time is right to tackle a new challenge. Lomaka said Tuesday he will leave at the end of January to accept the position of CEO at Directions For Mental Health in Clearwater, Fla.

Lomaka said Directions, which is similar to Porter-Starke in size, is strong in community relations and services, but needs to fortify its finances and business/community partnerships. Lomaka said he enjoys and has had success working on those tasks.

The move will also allow Lomaka to be close to family members who live in Clearwater. It will also provide better opportunities for his 15-year-old son, who plays hockey.

Lomaka's departure means his wife, Christina, who serves as Porter County Builders Association Executive Director, will be leaving her position as well.

Lomaka said he's been heartened by all the positive comments he's received since he announced his departure.

"You don't realize the impact you've had on a community," he said.

Taking over for Lomaka at Porter-Starke -- at least on an interim basis -- will be Rocky Schiralli. Schiralli, a member of the leadership team that has guided Porter-Starke's during its period of improvement, is "the guy that can continue to carry out that message," Lomaka said.

Lomaka said Porter-Starke's board will meet Tuesday to address his successor.

Board president Randall Zromkoski said the board is appreciative of Lomaka's "leadership and dedication for the past seven and a half years." He added the board is confident in the leadership of the organization and that operations will continue smoothly.

Lomaka said his successor will have work to do -- like getting the proposed 8,000-square-foot Portage office built to better serve north county residents. But he leaves knowing much was accomplished -- like opening an inpatient unit, starting a methadone clinic and laying the groundwork for the Portage office -- all the while leaving Porter-Starke in great shape.

"We're really at the top of our game," Lomaka said. "It's a wonderful time for this organization...You want to leave on top."