Gov. Ned Lamont on Wednesday nominated Nancy Navaretta to serve as commissioner of the Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services.
Navaretta has been serving as the department’s acting commissioner since Miriam Delphin-Rittmon left the position several months ago to serve as assistant secretary for mental health and substance use for the Biden administration.
The governor noted that Navaretta’s impressive handling of the transition period earned her the permanent nomination.
“We need strong leadership on these issues at this time, particularly when it comes to the impact that the opioid epidemic is having on our country and the growing mental health needs resulting from the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. This is an important responsibility, and I appreciate Nancy for agreeing to help lead Connecticut’s efforts on this front,” said Lamont.
Navaretta has been with the Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services since 2013 and most recently served as deputy commissioner before stepping in as acting commissioner. She said she looks forward to continuing to work to bring adult behavioral health care to the state.
“I am honored and humbled for the opportunity to continue to lead the incredible team at the Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services as we continue to prioritize accessible, integrated behavioral health systems of care which are informed by multiple stakeholders including individuals with lived experience.”
Navaretta lives in Hamden and is a graduate of Boston College and Fordham University.
The nomination will be considered by the Connecticut General Assembly when the next regular session begins in February.