The National Center on Addiction and Substance Abuse Announces Appointment of Creighton Drury as New President

NEW YORK, Dec. 5, 2017 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The National Center on Addiction and Substance Abuse (CASA*) board of directors today announced the appointment of Creighton Drury as the organization's president. Founded in 1992 by former U.S. Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare, Joseph A. Califano, Jr., CASA has remained unparalleled in furthering the nation's understanding, prevention, and treatment of addiction. Mr. Drury is poised to join CASA at the conclusion of its 25^th year, a pivotal moment in the organization's history. In response to the growing drug overdose epidemic, CASA is narrowing its mission to focus on prevention, creating new programs and practical solutions to support adolescents, young adults and families. 

Mr. Drury comes to CASA with more than 15 years of experience leading high profile, nonprofit organizations dedicated to children and adolescents. Most recently, he served as the senior vice president for Covenant House International – an organization dedicated to transforming and saving the lives of homeless, runaway, and trafficked young people.

"The National Center on Addiction and Substance Abuse has an exceptional legacy as the premier substance abuse and addiction research and action center," said Drury. "Just as the state of addiction in our nation has evolved, I look forward to helping CASA evolve to address this crippling disease and ensure all young people have futures that are healthy and bright."

Mr. Drury is a seasoned executive with a proven track record of transforming and leading high-performing organizations. In addition to his work for Covenant House International, Mr. Drury has successfully served and advocated for young people and families in various leadership roles, including as an executive with the youth-serving organization, New Jersey Community Development Corporation; as a senior-level government leader; as a civil rights attorney; and as an assistant state director to former U.S. Senator Bill Bradley.

Earlier this year, CASA's board of directors appointed Joseph J. Plumeri, senior advisor to Kohlberg, Kravis, Roberts & Co. and vice chairman of First Data Corp., to the position of executive chair of CASA, with James G. Niven, former chair of Sotheby's, Americas and a director of several nonprofit organizations, serving as the organization's co-chair. These changes are all part of CASA's commitment to developing and implementing new strategic solutions to America's deadliest drug crisis – beginning with the needs of young people.

"Creighton's life's passion is helping teens in need and preventing them from engaging in behaviors that undermine their future," said Joseph J. Plumeri, executive chair of The National Center on Addiction and Substance Abuse. "There could be no better alignment with the work we are undertaking to make sure no parent buries a child and that children lead full lives, free from addiction."

About The National Center on Addiction and Substance Abuse
We are a national nonprofit research and policy organization focused on improving the understanding, prevention and treatment of substance use and addiction. Founded in 1992 by former U.S. Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare, Joseph A. Califano, Jr., our interdisciplinary experts collaborate with others to promote effective policies and practices. For more information, visit www.centeronaddiction.org.

*The National Center on Addiction and Substance Abuse is neither affiliated with, nor sponsored by, the National Court Appointed Special Advocate Association (also known as "CASA") or any of its member organizations or any other organization with the name of "CASA."

SOURCE The National Center on Addiction and Substance Abuse

Related Links

http://www.centeronaddiction.org