Governor John Rowland today announced the appointment of Thomas A. Kirk, PH.D., of Ridgefield, as Commissioner of the Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services (DMHAS). Dr. Kirk has been with the agency since 1995 and currently serves as Deputy Commissioner.

    Prior to his work at the agency, Dr. Kirk served as Chief Executive Officer of a non-profit substance abuse healthcare agency, Liberation Programs, Inc. Dr. Kirk has also authored sixty professional papers, publications and presentations on substance abuse, mental health issues and related disorders.

    "Dr. Kirk has an outstanding record of public service within the substance abuse and mental health communities," said Governor Rowland. "His experience and leadership makes him a perfect fit for commissioner of DMHAS."

    Dr. Kirk currently serves on a number of panels and commissions including the Blue Ribbon Commission on Mental Health, the Connecticut Alcohol and Drug Policy Council and the Co-Occurring Disorders National Task Force.

    He will be Governor Rowland’s second DMHAS commissioner, replacing Dr. Albert Solnit who retired from state service to return to teaching, research and patient care. Dr. Solnit was the longest serving state commissioner in Connecticut’s history.

    Dr. Thomas Kirk will begin his new duties immediately pending confirmation by the General Assembly.

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