Chemical Dependency Division Adopts Regional Structure

The Division of Alcohol and Chemical Dependency recently completed a reorganization that is designed to improve planning, decision-making and coordination.

The Division is now organized into regions, making it consistent with the regional concept in place in the Division of Prisons and the Division of Community Corrections.

"The reorganization will allow staff to focus its energy on service delivery and effective management," said Secretary Theodis Beck. "It will also allow for more frequent interaction between substance abuse treatment staff and other Correction professionals throughout the state."

All substance abuse treatment programs will now be operated from the regional offices, with oversight from Raleigh. Prior to reorganization, the division had been organized by program. The new alignment allows staff to work with other professionals in a geographic area to identify what programs are available and which will be most beneficial to clients.

Impetus for the reorganization began in July 1998 when Division staff began meeting with Research and Planning employees to develop a strategic plan. Five strategic goals resulted from that work, said Assistant Secretary Lattie Baker, who heads the Division. 

The goals are to lead proactively regarding chemical dependency issues; to develop and train employees for professional growth; to deliver effective services and programs; to emphasize cost efficient management of resources and accountability for quality results; and to communicate with and be accountable to stakeholders.

Chemical Dependency staff will now be located in regional offices in Lenoir, Kernersville, Raleigh and Greenville. Regional managers are Helen Harriger, West; Rondal Hogsed, Piedmont; Jerry McQueen, Central; and Mike Rothwell, East. In addition to the managers, each regional office is staffed by a substance abuse program manager, an administrative secretary and an office assistant.

Harriger, West region manager, has been with DOC for 22 years. Most recently she was assistant superintendent for programs at Western Youth Institution. She said her knowledge of the Chemical Dependency programs was greatly enhanced through her involvement with the Correction Leadership Development Program when she had an opportunity to mentor with Baker.

Piedmont manager Hogsed has been with Correction since 1995 and prior to his promotion was manager of DART in the western part of the state. Previous experience includes more than 20 years working in chemical dependency in hospital and non-profit settings and with the U.S. Navy.

McQueen, a long-time employee of the Division of Prisons, is the Central manager. McQueen was most recently director of substance abuse prisons for DOP. 

He previously served as a superintendent and assistant command manager. He began his DOC career as a correctional officer at Hoke.

Rothwell, former facility manager of the DART-DWI program in Goldsboro, is leading the East region. Prior to coming to DOC, Rothwell worked with adult and juvenile populations in Tennessee and Texas.

Long-time DOC employee Carol Hinnant has joined Alcohol and Chemical Dependency as auxiliary services manager. Her responsibilities include management of administrative services, budget, personnel, policy and procedures and the Division's OPUS component. 

Hinnant began her career with Correction in 1977 and has worked with the Division of Prisons, Personnel and the Criminal Justice Partnership Program. 

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