To lead services for people with mental illnesses,
addictions, hearing and vision loss
Kevin Martone
Commissioner Jennifer Velez announced on February 11, 2009, that she had appointed Kevin Martone as Deputy Commissioner responsible for the Divisions of Mental Health Services (DMHS), Addiction Services, Deaf and Hard of Hearing and the Commission for the Blind and Visually Impaired. The position was made vacant with the recent retirement of James (Jim) W. Smith.
Prior to this appointment, Martone was Assistant Commissioner of the DMHS since 2005. During his tenure, he has been instrumental in transforming the Division by improving and expanding programs that help people throughout the state recover from mental illness.
Deputy Division Director Jon Poag will assume the role of Acting-Assistant Commissioner of DMHS. Jon brings extensive experience to the position having been with DMHS for 22 years in a wide range of functions, including Regional Coordinator and Regional Director of the Bureau of Transitional Services and as a Social Work Supervisor at Ancora Psychiatric Hospital .
“Kevin has shown his management grit shepherding reform in the state’s psychiatric hospitals to focus on recovery-oriented services,” said Velez. “He is a compassionate, determined and results driven leader.”
“I’m honored,” said Martone. “I welcome the challenge to broaden my scope of service to the department and New Jersey ; especially as our programs and services become more vital in these grim economic times.”
We are pleased that Kevin Martone has been appointed to this position. His prior experience as President/CEO for Advance Housing, as Vice President of the Supportive Housing Association and on Governor Codey’s Task Force on Mental Health, have provided him with the background needed to serve in this important position.
To read more from the official press release click here.
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