CONTACT: Seth Boffeli, (608) 266-1683

HARRIS NAMED DHS ADMINISTRATOR OF DIVISION OF MENTAL HEALTH AND SUBSTANCE ABUSE SERVICES 

MADISON—The Department of Health Services (DHS) today announced that Linda Harris has been appointed Administrator of the Division of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services. She has served as Deputy Administrator of the same Division since 2008, holds a Masters Degree in Social Work from UW-Madison and is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker.

“I am pleased to have the opportunity to announce Linda’s appointment,” said DHS Secretary Dennis G. Smith. “Linda has been an asset to our department for more than 34 years and her experience and knowledge of the challenging work that we do, especially at the state mental health institutions and treatment centers, is a tremendous asset.”

Harris has been with DHS since 1977 and previously held the position of Director of Community Forensic Services. In that position she worked to develop the statewide Conditional Release Program and the statewide Outpatient Competency Evaluation Program. She has also held numerous positions at Mendota Mental Health Institute.