FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Sep. 26, 2005
Contact:
Sherry Hill, (907) 465-1618, Cell (907) 321-2838
Jeff Kasper, (907) 465-8194, Cell (907) 321-3158
Cristy Willer named Director of DHSS Division of Behavioral Health
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( Juneau, Alaska) ― Department of Health and Social Services (DHSS) Commissioner Joel Gilbertson announced today the appointment of Cristy Willer as Director of the Division of Behavioral Health, effective Oct. 1. Willer currently serves as the Deputy Director for Behavioral Health, a position she has served since 2004. She will replace Bill Hogan, who was recently named to succeed Karleen Jackson as DHSS Deputy Commissioner.
“Cristy Willer’s experience in the behavioral health arena is second to none, and I’m certain she will continue providing outstanding service to Alaskans,” said Gilbertson. “Her transition to the director’s position is a natural fit where she can continue utilizing her vast experience for state service in the behavioral health field.”
Willer’s extensive experience and education includes an assignment as the Program Director for Alcoholism and Drug Abuse Services and the Interim Director for the Community Health Aide Program for the Bristol Bay Area Health Corporation. In 1997, she won the Janice R. Oglietti Award for Outstanding Woman in Substance Abuse Treatment in Alaska. Willer’s educational background includes a Bachelor of Arts and Master of Arts degree in Anthropology from the University of California Berkeley.
“Cristy will do a tremendous job as Behavioral Health Director,” said Hogan. “She has a thorough understanding of the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Service delivery system and will remain focused on critical issues such as the governor’s ‘Bring the Kids Home’ initiative and prevention of substance abuse.”
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Cristy Willer photo (JPG 339KB)
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