Former Administrator of SAMHSA
Charles G. Curie, M.A., A.C.S.W.
Administrator from 11/2001 - 08/2006
 Charles G. Curie was nominated by President George W. Bush and confirmed by the U.S. Senate in October 2001 as Administrator of the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA). As SAMHSA Administrator, Curie reports to Health and Human Services Secretary Tommy G. Thompson and leads the $3.2 billion agency responsible for improving the accountability, capacity and effectiveness of the Nation’s substance abuse prevention, addictions treatment and mental health services.
Articulating the vision of "a life in the community for everyone," Curie has charted a new course for SAMHSA. To realize this vision Curie has redefined SAMHSA’s mission as "building resilience and facilitating recovery." He has created an Agency matrix of priorities and principles to guide program development and resource allocation. SAMHSA’s new direction is based on the premise that people of all ages, with or at risk for mental or substance abuse disorders, should have the opportunity for a fulfilling life that includes a job, a home, and meaningful personal relationships with friends and family.
Curie has over 25 years of professional experience in mental health and substance abuse services field. His core commitment to ensuring that people with addictive and mental disorders have the opportunity for full participation in American society has earned him national recognition and acclaim.
Prior to his confirmation as SAMHSA Administrator, Curie was appointed by then Governor Tom Ridge as Deputy Secretary for Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services for the Department of Public Welfare in Pennsylvania. During his tenure, Curie implemented a nationally recognized mental health and drug and alcohol Medicaid managed care program and streamlined fractured service delivery systems. He also established and implemented a policy to reduce and ultimately eliminate the use of seclusion and restraint practices in the state hospital system. This program won the 2000 Innovations in American Government Award sponsored by Harvard University’s John F. Kennedy School of Government, the Ford Foundation, and the Council on Excellence in Government.
Before his service in the Ridge Administration, Curie was the Director of Risk Management Services for Henry S. Lehr Inc. in Bethlehem, PA; President/CEO of the Helen H. Stevens Community Mental Health Center in Carlisle, PA; and Executive Director/CEO of the Sandusky Valley Center in Tiffin, Ohio. Curie is a native of Indiana and a graduate of Huntington College. He holds a Master's Degree from the University of Chicago's School of Social Service Administration and is also certified by the Academy of Certified Social Workers.
Curie and his wife Candace are residents of Gaithersburg, Maryland.
Biography information last updated July 2004
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