Thomas A. Kirk, Jr., Ph.D.

Commissioner, Connecticut Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services

Dr. Thomas Kirk was first appointed Commissioner of the Connecticut Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services (DMHAS) in May 2000. Dr. Kirk's key focus is the design, implementation, financing and management of recovery-oriented healthcare systems. He is considered one of the key leaders in the country on policy, design, funding and outcomes of recovery-oriented systems of care. Dr. Kirk's career includes being a tenured faculty member at the Virginia Commonwealth University/Medical College of Virginia where he taught undergraduate and graduate courses. He is on the Board of Directors of the Foundation for Mental Health and the National Association of State Mental Health Program Directors (NASMHPD) Research Institute., Inc. Appointed by the U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services, Dr. Kirk serves on the National Advisory Council of the federal Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. He has served as a consultant to various foundations on health, substance abuse and mental health issues, to other states and to groups such as the Council of State Governments and the National Conference of State Legislators.