Mr. Dennis O. Romero is the Acting
Director for the Center for Substance Abuse Prevention (CSAP), Substance
Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), U.S. Department
of Health and Human Service (DHHS). Mr. Romero's role is to provide
national leadership and direction in substance abuse prevention, setting
the goals and objectives of the Center and participating in the
formulation of strategies and guidelines needed to plan, implement and
manage national programs and projects. He will also give national presence
by representing CSAP to members of the White House Committees, the Office
of National Drug Control Policy and the news media to ensure an
understanding of CSAP programs, objectives, and priorities. As Chief
Operating Officer, he is responsible for development of strategic program
plans and management of CSAP's internal operations. This includes
management of CSAP's $634 million annual budget, human resources, and
program implementation and performance.
Mr. Romero brings a wealth of knowledge
in creating and re-structuring agency practices to better mesh with
government requirements (including HIPAA and EEO laws). Mr. Romero has
extensive experience in the fields of mental health, chemical addiction,
prevention, and program development, among others. Prior to his current
position, he served as Deputy Director of the Alcoholism Council of New
York (ACNY), in New York City. In that capacity he assisted the Executive
Director in the overall management of the organization, implementing the
strategic plan and translating organizational goals into work plans. Mr.
Romero created and established monthly reporting mechanisms; assisted
program managers in developing evaluation tools and designed expansion
strategies for applicable programs. He was also responsible for: assuring
compliance with contracted agencies; conducting internal reviews of
applicable programs; and preparing for applicable program audits. He was
the community liaison developing collaborative partnerships with external
organizations to increase capacity, with a focus on revenue enhancement
for ACNY.
Prior to this position Mr. Romero,
served as the Assistant Director of Mental Health at the William F. Ryan
Community Health Center in New York City, one of the nation's largest and
most comprehensive community-based health organizations. As the Inpatient
Programs Manager at the Ellis Hospital Department of Psychiatry, in
Schenectady, NY, he was directly involved with health care delivery
systems, especially as they relate to managed care and quality assurance,
Medicaid, and other issues of health care reform.
Mr. Romero has
served on the board of many professional committees, advisory boards, and
commissions (at the state and local levels) that address both local and
regional issues related to the field of alcohol and substance abuse and
prevention, as well as allied social and educational issues. In 1997, he
received, by a public vote, the prestigious appointment to the New York
State Board of Regents to the Committee of Professional Assistance Program
under the Office of the Professions where he served in many capacities
including Chair of the Committee. He has been invited to offer reports and
testimony before various committees both in his capacity as Deputy
Director of the Alcoholism Council of New York, and as a member of the
substance abuse prevention / treatment community.
Mr. Romero
received a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Philosophy and Psychology from
Cathedral College and a Masters Degree in Counseling Psychology from
Manhattan College. He received post-graduate training at the State
University of New York (SUNY), Albany Campus.
Mr. Dennis O. Romero is the Acting
Director for the Center for Substance Abuse Prevention (CSAP), Substance
Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), U.S. Department
of Health and Human Service (DHHS). Mr. Romero's role is to provide
national leadership and direction in substance abuse prevention, setting
the goals and objectives of the Center and participating in the
formulation of strategies and guidelines needed to plan, implement and
manage national programs and projects. He will also give national presence
by representing CSAP to members of the White House Committees, the Office
of National Drug Control Policy and the news media to ensure an
understanding of CSAP programs, objectives, and priorities. As Chief
Operating Officer, he is responsible for development of strategic program
plans and management of CSAP's internal operations. This includes
management of CSAP's $634 million annual budget, human resources, and
program implementation and performance.