Official Site of The State of New Jersey
The PAC serves as a sounding board to DMHAS for addiction related programs and concerns. Membership is comprised of up to 30 individuals who bring their individual expertise to the table, thus, not representing any particular agency or coalition.
The purpose of the Professional Advisory Committee (PAC) is to make recommendations pertinent to substance use disorders and addictions to the Commissioner of the Department of Human Services (DHS) through the Division of Mental Health and Addiction Services (DMHAS). Members of the PAC are NOT selected as representatives of their respective provider agency; rather, members are chosen for their individual experience, knowlege and ability to liaison with DMHAS on substance use and/or co-occurring disorders. In order to best represent the individuals served in the field of Substance Use Disorder Treatment and Prevention, we will strive to ensure cultural diversity and include individuals who identify as having lived experience on the PAC.
The PAC shall consist of no less than fifteen (15) and no more than thirty (30) members who reflect leadership, expertise, service and or advocacy pertinent to substance use disorders and addictions. Members serve at the pleasure of the Commissioner of the Department of Human Services. They shall be appointed for a two (2) year term and may be re-appointed.
2025-2027 PAC Membership
Current Members of the Committee:
| Morgan Thompson (Chair) - Prevention Links | Eman Warraich-Gibson (Vice Chair) - Integrity House | Doug Bratton (Secretary) - Partners in Prevention |
| Michael Paolello - Bergen New Bridge Medical Center | Kimberly Veith - Ocean MHS | Michael D'Amico - Oaks Integrated Care |
| Jocelyn Cooper - Mercer Council | Laura Messina - Preferred Behavioral Health | Erika Kerber - Community Health Law Project |
| Dave Roden - New Hope | Debra Wentz - NJAMHAA | Summer Brancoccio - National Center for Advocacy and Recovery |
| Margarita Leahy - Mercer Council on Alcoholism and Drug Abuse | Amy Villano - Acenda Integrated Health | Dominic Barone - Pyramid Healthcare |
| Perry Iasiello - Carewell Health Medical Center | Katie Faldetta - Cape Assist | Kristina VanLaningham - Freedom House |
| Brandy Mullin - Burlington County Human Services | Alexis LaPietra - RWJ Barnabas Health | Lee Ruszczyk - Henry J. Austin Health Center |
| Catherine (Katie) Walker - Center for Prevention & Counseling | Warren Bopp - Legacy Treatment Services | Jared Levy - Maryville |
| Tamara Lipshie - Atlantic Health | Andre Mitchell - Elev8 Detox Center | Carlos Bermeo - Cooper University Health Care |