Dr. Chinazo Cunningham
Commissioner
Commissioner Chinazo Cunningham, M.D., was appointed by Governor Kathy Hochul on December 1, 2021 and confirmed by the New York State Senate on January 24, 2022 as Commissioner of the New York State Office of Addiction Services and Supports (OASAS).
Dr. Cunningham is a physician, researcher, and public health professional who brings over 20 years of expertise in substance use treatment to OASAS. Prior to joining OASAS, she served as the Executive Deputy Commissioner of Mental Hygiene at the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene, was a practicing physician at Montefiore Health System, and a Professor of Medicine, Family and Social Medicine, and Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences at the Albert Einstein College of Medicine. Dr. Cunningham has more than 20 years’ experience in research, care, and program development that focuses on people who use drugs. She has also partnered with community-based organizations to develop pioneering programs to promote the health of this population.
Dr. Cunningham led one of the first clinics in New York City to integrate buprenorphine into primary care. She has trained hundreds of doctors to treat substance use disorders in primary care. She has also led several research studies and published numerous research articles that focus on treating substance use disorders.
Tracey L. Collins
Executive Deputy Commissioner
Tracey L. Collins is the Executive Deputy Commissioner of the Office of Addiction Services and Supports (OASAS). She also serves as Co-coordinator of the Behavioral Health Services Advisory Council and Executive Secretary of the Opioid Settlement Fund Advisory Board. Tracey first joined OASAS in 2008 as the Government Liaison. In 2019, she became the Director of the Office of Government Affairs and Federal Policy, responsible for the agency’s interactions with elected officials at the local, state, and federal level. In May of 2022, she transitioned to Associate Commissioner of Internal and External Affairs before assuming the role of Executive Deputy Commissioner in 2023.
Ms. Collins has extensive experience in legislative affairs and communications, with over 21 years in New York State Government. She previously served as Deputy Director for the New York State Governor’s Office of Executive Chamber Operations, Assistant Deputy Director for the New York State Attorney General’s Office of Information Services, and Assistant Coordinator/Writer and Editor for the New York State Assembly Office of Communication and Information Services. Ms. Collins is a graduate of Siena College in Loudonville, New York, earning a BA in English Literature.
Keith J. McCarthy
Associate Commissioner for Quality Assurance & Performance Improvement
Keith J. McCarthy joined the NYS Office of Addiction Services and Supports (OASAS) in February 2020, becoming the Associate Commissioner for Quality Assurance and Performance Improvement. Mr. McCarthy’s responsibilities include formulating and carrying out OASAS’ statewide policy initiatives within the areas of standards, quality assurance, performance improvement, workforce development, and investigations. He has also most recently assumed oversight of the OASAS Regional Offices and the NYS Behavioral Health Services Advisory Council (BHSAC).
With over 25 years of experience in policy development and regulatory compliance from various levels of NYS government, Mr. McCarthy brings a broad knowledge of various issues to his position with OASAS. Having begun his career as a Graduate Fellow with the NYS Senate’s Committee on Health, advising the Committee on topics such as Medicaid, children’s health insurance, long-term care, managed care and public health, Mr. McCarthy then spent many years with the NYS Department of Health (DOH) immersed in assisted living/adult care facility and home health care issues, as well as management of the ‘‘Certificate of Need’’ process for health care facilities and providers. Upon joining the NYS Office of Mental Health (OMH) in 2013, Mr. McCarthy became the Director of Inspection and Certification and was instrumental in developing and implementing telemental health and intensive outpatient services, and redesigning the oversight process for licensed providers.
Mr. McCarthy holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Legal Studies and Economics and a Master of Science degree from the Center for Applied Public Affairs, both from the State University of New York at Buffalo.
Patricia Zuber-Wilson
Associate Commissioner for Prevention
In April 2019, Patricia Zuber-Wilson was appointed Associate Commissioner for the Division of Prevention at the New York State Office of Addiction Services and Supports (OASAS). In this position, she oversees policy for a continuum of substance use prevention services and problem gambling prevention, treatment and recovery supports. The mission of the division is to reach youth, families and communities across the state through educational programs, environmental prevention strategies and public awareness. The work is grounded in prevention services that are data driven and evidence based, while at the same time culturally responsive and community focused to reach people of all ages.
Ms. Zuber-Wilson has over 30 years’ experience working in various capacities in the executive and legislative branches of government. She joined OASAS in 2007 as the Director of Government Affairs and Federal Policy. In this position, she oversaw the agency’s efforts to monitor state and federal legislation, regulations and policy issues. Responsibilities also included working with local, state and federal elected officials and government agencies. Ms. Zuber-Wilson worked closely with the federally recognized Native American nations in the state and other key constituency groups.
Ms. Zuber-Wilson graduated from Brown University in Providence, Rhode Island with a BA in Organizational Behavior and Management and did graduate level coursework at the State University of New York at Albany.
Patricia Lincourt
Associate Commissioner for Addiction Treatment & Recovery Services
Patricia Lincourt currently serves as the Associate Commissioner for Addiction Treatment and Recovery Services at the NYS Office of Addiction Services and Supports (OASAS). In her role, she oversees Medicaid Managed Care policy and implementation, treatment policy and innovation, treatment metrics development, recovery centers, and peer service integration.
Ms. Lincourt has over 30 years of clinical and administrative experience in addiction, mental health and child welfare settings. Her interests include implementation of evidence-based practice, service integration and financing of substance use services to improve outcomes. She has experience as a program director of outpatient substance use disorder services and as a clinical director. She has provided training in person-centered care, motivational interviewing, and quality improvement.
She graduated from University of New York College at Buffalo with a bachelor’s degree in Social Work and from the University of New York at Albany with a master’s degree in Social Work.
Mary Brewster
Associate Commissioner for Harm Reduction
Mary Brewster was appointed as the Associate Commissioner for Harm Reduction at the New York State Office of Addiction Services and Supports (OASAS) in September of 2022. Her role is focused on implementing harm reduction services statewide. As the leader of a new harm-reduction division within OASAS, she will be working with leaders throughout the state to create sustainable harm reduction programs that meet the needs of the communities most impacted by substance use.
Prior to joining OASAS, Ms. Brewster served as the Managing Director of Harm Reduction Services with Harlem United Community AIDS Center in New York City. Through her work with Harlem United, Mary was instrumental in creating and implementing the organization’s first harm reduction street outreach program and mobile medical harm reduction program. She served on the New York City HIV Planning Group from 2019 through 2022, acting as the Community Co-Chair throughout the COVID-19 Pandemic.
Mary is a social worker by education, having earned her MSW at DePaul University in Chicago with a focus on macro practice social work. She has over 15 years of experience in substance use disorder treatment and HIV care and treatment services. While in Chicago, Mary worked within the HIV/AIDS Community providing direct services to people living with HIV/AIDS through case management, risk reduction counseling and HIV test counseling. After leaving Chicago, Mary lived and worked in the Hudson Valley, where she oversaw a syringe exchange and harm reduction program.
Mary lives in Harlem with her husband and two cats.
Jerry Gretzinger
Associate Commissioner for Internal & External Affairs
Jerry Gretzinger is the Associate Commissioner for Internal & External Affairs for the NYS Office of Addiction Services and Supports (OASAS). In this role, he oversees the agency’s Government Affairs, Communications, and Public Awareness Campaigns bureaus. Mr. Gretzinger first joined OASAS in March of 2022 as the director of Public Awareness Campaigns and expanded awareness of OASAS and the network of services it supports throughout New York State.
Mr. Gretzinger spent much of his professional career working in broadcast television as a news anchor and reporter throughout the Northeast. He received a New York Emmy for Health and Science and has been recognized by the New York and New England chapters of the Associated Press and New York State Broadcasters Association.
He also served as Vice President of Strategic Communications for a major research college, Director of Public Relations for Six Flags amusement parks and Communications and Marketing Manager and/or consultant for healthcare organizations and non-profit agencies including The Brain Injury Association of New York and Glens Falls Hospital.
A graduate of Marist College, Mr. Gretzinger resides in Saratoga County with his wife and family and can often be found performing in musicals or music revues around the Capital Region.
Rabiah Gaynor
Associate Commissioner for Division of Criminal Justice
Rabiah Gaynor joined the New York State Office of Addiction Services and Supports (NYS OASAS) in June 2023 and serves as the Associate Commissioner for Criminal Justice. In this capacity, she supports the collaborative work between OASAS and various partners, such as NYS Department of Corrections and Community Supervision, NYS Office of Court Administration, NYS Department of Criminal Justice Services, State Commission on Correction, local law enforcement agencies, among others.
Rabiah brings substantial knowledge of the criminal justice system and correctional healthcare experience to OASAS. Immediately prior to joining OASAS, she served as the Executive Director of Health Affairs for the New York City Department of Correction (NYC DOC). In that role, she was the NYC DOC liaison for all healthcare matters for incarcerated individuals, which included handling all operations, policy, and access to healthcare. Rabiah had previously served as a Mental Health Designated Parole Officer with the New York State Department of Corrections and Community Supervision (DOCCS), where she supervised persons released from the criminal justice system and coordinated services for individuals with severe mental illness.
Rabiah has more than 14 years combined experience as a peace officer in New York State and New York City and spent several years each in education and social services delivery.
Trishia Allen
General Counsel
Trishia Allen is the General Counsel for the NYS Office of Addiction Services and Supports. In this role, Mrs. Allen provides guidance, direction, legal advice and support to the Commissioner and Executive Team.
Prior to Mrs. Allen’s appointment as General Counsel, she served as an OASAS Senior Attorney for five years and as an Associate Attorney for four years. Mrs. Allen focused on the implementation of Medicaid Redesign initiatives, federal parity, legislation and policy, and commercial insurance law changes impacting those suffering from substance use disorder.
Prior to working with OASAS, Mrs. Allen was a Legislative Counsel for the Legislative Commission on Rural Resources. Mrs. Allen is a graduate of the State University of New York at Albany and received her Juris Doctorate from Albany Law School.
Antonette Whyte-Etere
Associate Commissioner, Division of Addiction Treatment Centers
Antonette Whyte-Etere is the Associate Commissioner of the Division of Addiction Treatment Centers (DATC) for the NYS Office of Addiction Services And Supports, overseeing 12 state operated Addiction Treatment Centers across New York State. Her statewide oversight includes regulatory compliance and fiscal oversight ensuring appropriate use of state aid resources in delivering quality care to New Yorkers accessing treatment and recovery supports in inpatient detox, rehabilitation, and residential services. She previously served as the Regional Coordinator for the NYS OASAS Long Island Regional Office.
Antonette Whyte-Etere is a qualified health professional (LCSW-R) and CASAC-Master by training, with over 30 years of experience in substance use disorder treatment and administration. She graduated with honors earning a Bachelor of Science in Social Welfare from SUNY Albany and a Master of Social Work from New York University.
Throughout her career, she has demonstrated strong supervisory, organizational, and management skills as well as foster professional partnerships to advance the agency’s mission. She served as a National Mentor for the W.F. Kellogg Foundation Multi-Cultural Executive Leadership Fellows Program and is a graduate of the NYS OASAS Talent Pool, as well as the Governor’s Office of Employee Relations and Rockefeller College of Public Affairs and Policy’s New York State Leadership Training Institute.
Carmelita Cruz
Executive Equity Officer
Carmelita Cruz, Esq. is the Executive Equity Officer at the Office of Addiction Services and Supports (OASAS), leading the Office of Justice, Equity, Diversity and Inclusion (JEDI). Carmelita has been with OASAS since 2016, previously serving as an attorney.
Grounded in the values of dignity, equity and compassion, she leads work to center equity and trauma informed organizational change. She brings her social justice and harm reduction background into state government to implement innovative JEDI strategies that provide measurable results.
She is a proud wife and mother of two beautiful children, Declan and Magdalena, as well as a teacup chihuahua, Peanut. Her interests include spending time with family, traveling the world, and reading.
Deborah K. Davis
Associate Commissioner for Fiscal Administration
Deborah K. Davis was appointed as the Associate Commissioner of the Division of Fiscal Administration at the New York State Office of Addiction Services and Supports (OASAS) on January 6, 2022. In this role, she oversees the agency’s budget appropriations and spending plans, federal and state grants management and reporting, contracts and procurements, purchasing and MWBE opportunities, revenue, payments and claims, and capital financial management.
Ms. Davis has over 17 years’ experience in the public sector in financial management of behavioral health and human service agencies. Specifically, she served nearly nine years at the New York State Division of Budget in the Mental Hygiene Unit and led the Division in allocating funds in support of several statewide initiatives, including the Human Services Cost of Living Adjustment, the Not-For-Profit Prompt Contracting Initiative, and the State share of Medicaid. She has an additional nine years’ experience in various leadership roles at the New York State Office of Children and Family Services, including serving in the roles of Budget Director and Assistant Director of Financial Operations, and leading the agency in developing the financial support and infrastructure for the Governor’s Raise the Age of Juvenile Justice initiative.
Ms. Davis has also been an advocate for mental health parity and suicide prevention, serving as the founding board member of the Capital Region Chapter of the American Foundation of Suicide Prevention; U.S. Surgeon General, Dr. David Satcher’s, task force to develop the National Call to Action to prevent suicide; founding member of the New York State Office of Mental Health Suicide Prevention Council; and served as a legislative assistant at MHANYS on the mental health parity bill.
Hank Rosen
Chief of Staff
Henry “Hank” Rosen joined the Office of Addiction Services and Supports (OASAS) in 2023 and serves as Chief of Staff. In this capacity, he supports staff and leadership in the design and implementation of prevention, treatment, harm reduction, and recovery initiatives that seek to redress health disparities and improve outcomes and for people and communities affected by substance use and addiction.
Hank brings broad knowledge of public policy and public health to OASAS. Prior to his appointment, he served as Director of the Office of the Executive Deputy Commissioner for Mental Hygiene in the New York City Health Department, where he supported and led a range of initiatives spanning rapid responses to public health crises; press and communications; government affairs and advocacy; policy analysis and development; fundraising for new initiatives; racial justice and health equity initiatives; and other operations and management functions. Hank has also worked as a health policy consultant supporting states design and implement Medicaid reform initiatives, and as spent several years working across the U.S. with community organizations and state and local government leaders on criminal-legal system reform initiatives.
Hank received his Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from Middlebury College and his Master of Science in Health Policy and Management from the Harvard TH Chan School of Public Health.
Associate Commissioner for Data Management Research
and Planning (DMRP)
Connie came to OASAS as an evaluator in 2005 on a National Institute on Drug Abuse methadone contingency management project and moved over to a state Research Scientist role in 2008. As Commissioner of DMRP she oversees the agency data collection, maintenance, and analysis of its certified and funded programs for the purpose of understanding implementation and facilitating process improvement across the OASAS spectrum of services. The division is charged with promoting data literacy throughout the OASAS system and leads the OASAS research and evaluation efforts.
Connie facilitates the agency’s strategic planning process and supports the role of the Local Governmental Units in the local planning process. Additionally, Connie oversees grant and special project management efforts to include the State Opioid Response Grants (SOR) from SAMHSA which began in 2017, the Substance Abuse Prevention and Treatment (SAPT) Supplemental Block grant awards, and the Opioid Settlement Fund. Annualized this represents over $500 million dollars in discretionary spending for special initiatives.
Prior to her arrival at OASAS she was a Senior Analyst and Survey Director at ABT associates. Connie holds a dual Master’s Degree in Social Policy and Women’s Studies from Brandeis University, a Master’s Degree in Applied Sociology from University of Massachusetts Boston, and a BA in Art History from Wheaton College. Connie is the proud parent of an adult son and in her free time she keeps an amazing garden and knits enviable accessories and sweaters.