Mr. Dennis O. Romero is the Deputy Director for the Center for Substance Abuse Prevention (CSAP), Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), U.S. Department of Health and Human Service (DHHS). From 2005–2007, Mr. Romero served as the CSAP Acting Director responsible for providing national leadership and direction in substance abuse prevention, setting the goals and objectives of the Center and participating in the formulation of strategies and guidelines needed to plan, implement and manage national programs and projects.

Mr. Romero brings a wealth of knowledge in creating and re-structuring agency practices to better mesh with government requirements (including HIPAA and EEO laws). Mr. Romero has extensive experience in the fields of mental health, chemical addiction, prevention, and program development, among others. Prior to coming to SAMHSA/CSAP, he served as Deputy Director of the Alcoholism Council of New York (ACNY), in New York City. In that capacity he assisted the Executive Director in the overall management of the organization, implementing the strategic plan and translating organizational goals into work plans. Mr. Romero created and established monthly reporting mechanisms; assisted program managers in developing evaluation tools and designed expansion strategies for applicable programs. He was also responsible for: assuring compliance with contracted agencies; conducting internal reviews of applicable programs; and preparing for applicable program audits. He was the community liaison developing collaborative partnerships with external organizations to increase capacity, with a focus on revenue enhancement for ACNY.

Mr. Romero has served as the Assistant Director of Mental Health at the William F. Ryan Community Health Center in New York City, one of the nation's largest and most comprehensive community-based health organizations. As the Inpatient Programs Manager at the Ellis Hospital Department of Psychiatry, in Schenectady, NY, he was directly involved with health care delivery systems, especially as they relate to managed care and quality assurance, Medicaid, and other issues of health care reform.

Mr. Romero has served on the board of many professional committees, advisory boards, and commissions (at the state and local levels) that address both local and regional issues related to the field of alcohol and substance abuse and prevention, as well as allied social and educational issues. In 1997, he received, by a public vote, the prestigious appointment to the New York State Board of Regents to the Committee of Professional Assistance Program under the Office of the Professions where he served in many capacities including Chair of the Committee. He has been invited to offer reports and testimony before various committees both in his capacity as Deputy Director of the Alcoholism Council of New York, and as a member of the substance abuse prevention / treatment community.

Mr. Romero received a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Philosophy and Psychology from Cathedral College and a Masters Degree in Counseling Psychology from Manhattan College. He received post-graduate training at the State University of New York (SUNY), Albany Campus.