Dannette R. Smith has been appointed by Gov. Jared Polis to be the new commissioner of the Behavioral Health Administration (BHA).
This appointment was informed by extensive stakeholder feedback across from the state and reflects the governor’s commitment to bringing transformational change to Colorado’s behavioral health system. Under Commissioner Smith’s leadership, BHA will remain focused on increasing access to quality behavioral health services in Colorado by engaging diverse community groups and providers to expand services and recruiting and retaining a talented workforce. Incoming Commissioner Smith will begin her role on March 18. At that time, Interim Commissioner Michelle Barnes will be returning to her role as executive director of the Colorado Department of Human Services.
Commissioner Smith has spent 30 years serving families, children, the aging population, and people experiencing homelessness. She’s led human services departments across the country, most recently serving nearly five years as the chief executive officer at the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services.
For more about the BHA's new commissioner, read the press release from Gov. Polis.
