DHMSAS INFO MEMO 2008-02

STATE OF WISCONSIN
Department of Health and Family Services
Division of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services
DHMSAS Info Memo Series 2008-2
Date: February 18, 2008

To: Listserv

For: DHFS Administrators
Area Administrators/Human Services Area Coordinators
County COP Coordinators
County Department of Community Program Directors
County Departments of Developmental Disabilities Services Directors
County Departments of Human Services Directors
County Departments of Social Services Directors
County Waiver Coordinators
County Mental Health and AODA Coordinators
Tribal Chairpersons
Human Services Facilitators

From: John T. Easterday, Administrator

Subject: Deputy Administrator for Division of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services named

I am very pleased to announce the appointment of Linda Harris as Deputy Administrator for Division of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services (DMHSAS). Linda brings to this appointment a career dedicated to the people in the state with mental illness and substance abuse issues.

Linda holds a Master's Degree in Social Work from UW-Madison and is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker. She held numerous positions at Mendota Mental Health Institute including Unit Chief of the Community Preparation Service; Director of Admissions/ Medical Records and Medical Support areas.

Since 1993 Linda has held the position of Director of Community Forensic Services in the division central office. In that position she worked to develop the statewide Conditional Release Program and the statewide Outpatient Competency Evaluation Program. She has worked with the Mental Health Institutes to develop a coordinated forensic system, and also with the Department of Corrections developing a cooperative agreement for supervision of both Conditional Release Clients and Supervised Release clients.

Linda has a great deal of experience working with the biennial budget, program development, quality improvement and quality assurance as well as procurement and contracting. She is familiar with the legislative process and has worked on revisions in both the forensic and civil commitment statutes.

Linda will bring a new perspective and energy to our Division, as well as her experience and dedication for the people of Wisconsin.

Please join me in welcoming Linda to this position.

CENTRAL OFFICE CONTACT: John Easterday, Administrator
DMHSAS, Room 850
Department of Health and Family Services
PO Box 7851
Madison, WI 53707-7851
Telephone: 608-267-9391

Linda Harris, Deputy Administrator
DMHSAS, Room 850
Department of Health and Family Services
PO Box 7850
Madison, WI 53707-7850
Telephone: 608-267-909

MEMO WEB SITE: http://dhfs.wisconsin.gov/dsl_info/InfoMemos/DMHSAS/CY2008/index.htm

cc: All DMHSAS Councils and Committees
Disability Rights Wisconsin
Mental Health Association of Wisconsin
Wisconsin Council of Independent Living Centers
Independent Living Council of Wisconsin
NAMI Wisconsin
People First
ARC Wisconsin

Last Revised: February 21, 2008