For Immediate Release: January 16, 2015
DCF Secretary Carroll Announces New Assistant Secretary for Substance Abuse and Mental Health
TALLAHASSEE – The Department of Children and Families (DCF) Secretary Mike Carroll today announced the appointment of John N. Bryant to serve as the Assistant Secretary for Substance Abuse and Mental Health. Bryant will step into the role on January 30.
“Throughout his career, John Bryant has been a champion for substance abuse and mental health services in Florida. We are privileged to bring his extensive experience and expertise back to this department,” Secretary Mike Carroll said. “Substance abuse and mental health issues are at the center of many of the complex families we work with. Working to improve services and outcomes for these families is crucial to the protection and wellbeing of Florida’s children and adults.”
Bryant currently serves at the Vice President over Legislative and External Affairs at the Florida Council for Community and Mental Health, working with and advising state agencies on legislative and budget priorities, policy development, contract services, behavioral health program design, research and advocacy.
“The Florida Council for Community Mental Health is very pleased that DCF has selected John as the next Assistant Secretary for Substance Abuse and Mental Health. John’s knowledge of mental health issues is unsurpassed and all of Florida’s citizens, most particularly those with a mental illness or substance use disorder and their families, will benefit from John’s expertise and lifelong commitment to this field,” Mike Hansen, President and Chief Operating Officer, Florida Council for Community Mental Health said.
Bryant previously worked with the department (and under the Department of Health and Rehabilitative Services) for more than 30 years in multiple roles both regionally and at the statewide level including Chief of Operations for the Substance Abuse Program Office, Chief of the State Mental Health Treatment Facilities, Assistant Secretary for Mental Health Programs, Chief of Adult Mental Health and others.
“I have seen firsthand John’s deep commitment to these issues and the people we serve,” said Natalie Kelly, Executive Director, Florida Association of Managing Entities. “I know he understands the importance of working with all stakeholders not just for the best result, but for the right result.”
Media Contact: Michelle Glady, DCF Press Secretary, 850-717-4450
Comments