Press Release

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Rafael Lemaitre / Jennifer deVallance (202) 395–6618
Thursday, June 20, 2002

(Washington, D.C.)—Mary Ann Solberg, recently confirmed by the U.S. Senate as Deputy Director for the Office of National Drug Control Policy (ONDCP), was sworn in today by Supreme Court Justice Sandra Day O'Connor. Deputy Director Solberg is widely recognized as a strong advocate for reducing drug use in America. Her experience with community anti-drug organizations at the local level will significantly contribute to the realization of President Bush's goal of reducing drug use in America by 10 percent in two years and 25 percent in five years.

John P. Walters, Director of National Drug Control Policy, said, "Throughout the course of her career, Mary Ann has been a tremendous force in educating young people about the dangers of substance abuse. Her advocacy has had a positive impact on tens of thousands of young people. Mrs. Solberg's service at ONDCP will be crucial as we work to rally parents, teachers, community leaders, religious leaders and others to work together to reduce drug use."

Prior to joining the ONDCP, Mrs. Solberg served as the Executive Director of both the Troy Community Coalition for the Prevention of Drug and Alcohol Abuse and the Coalition of Healthy Communities in Michigan. Her expertise has been solicited by community coalitions throughout the nation. She has traveled extensively as a lecturer and consultant helping communities form prevention coalitions and providing technical assistance to community partnerships and coalitions. Additionally, she served as an advisor to the Department of Health and Human Services' Center for Substance Abuse Prevention and as a member of the Board of Directors of the Community Anti-Drug Coalitions of America.

Deputy Director Solberg will be available for interviews. Please contact Rafael Lemaitre at 202–395–6618 to arrange.