Dannette R. Smith, Msw Email & Phone Number

Denver, Co, Us

Appointed by Governor Jared Polis. As Commissioner of the Colorado Behavioral Health Administration, I am honored to contribute to the state's vital mission of enhancing behavioral healthcare services. This opportunity allows me to collaborate with dedicated professionals and community members in improving the well-being and mental health landscape across Colorado. My appointment aligns with the Governor's vision of bringing transformational change to Colorado’s Behavioral Health System, which is outlined as part of Behavioral Health in Colorado: Putting People First, A Blueprint for Reform.In my leadership role at BHA, I am committed to increasing access to quality behavioral health services across the state. This involves actively engaging with diverse community groups and providers to broaden service reach and focusing on recruiting and retaining a talented workforce dedicated to this cause.I am driven by a mission to create a more inclusive, accessible, and effective behavioral health system in Colorado.

Lincoln, Nebraska, Us

Appointed by former Governor Pete Ricketts and current Governor Jim Pillen, reported to State Legislature and Legislature’s Committee Chair for Health and Human Services (HHS). Led State’s largest agency, consisting of five Divisions: Behavioral Health, Children and Family Services, Developmental Disabilities, Medicaid & Long-Term Care, and Public Health. Worked closely with the Governor’s Policy and Research Office (PRO) to develop and ensure appropriate legislation. Collaborated with federal agencies to ensure program and policy adherence to federal guidelines. 16-member Executive Team, Staff of 5,000, $6.3B BudgetHighlights include: • Regularly conferred with and advised the Governor and the Governor’s Office to ensure the State’s legislative agenda for serving Nebraskans aligned with the priorities, mission and vision of the Department and State.• Frequently testified before the HHS committee and other committees in the state legislative body.• Engaged key community stakeholders on a variety of Departmental Initiatives.• Realigned DHHS organizational infrastructure to support program operations and improved service delivery.• Served as interim director of Children and Family Services (CFS), consisting of child welfare, economic assistance (SNAP, TANF/ADC), and child support; while conducting a national search from January 2023-August 2023.• Launched iServe Nebraska, a new single benefit online application portal that provides a modern and easy-to-use system to apply for Medicaid and Economic Assistance benefits.• Directed collaborative efforts to expand the Agency’s home visiting program to better support families.• Explored DEIB strategies to support staff and community engagement.• Reduced Departmental Single Audit findings and questioned cost amount. For FY2022, total questioned costs were reduced from $5.1 million in 2021 to $2.9 million.

Virginia Beach, Va, Us

Reporting directly to the Deputy City Manager, I ensure the seamless integration of 60 programs between three core divisions; Behavioral Health and Developmental Services (CSB), Department of Social Services (DSS) and Continuous Quality Improvement. Reports significant departmental achievements to the City Manager. Presentations on public policy initiatives and critical program areas are presented directly to the Mayor and City Council.I have lead the formation of 200+ key business and community liaisons that support new initiatives for sustainability and self-sufficiency programs delivery for over 425K diverse citizens. Throughout this work, we have achieved positive culture shifts at all levels of executive staff, division leaders and frontline staff through proactive management style, clear communication and accountability. Performance Benchmarks: • Manage a $117M budget portfolio and supervises executive team and staff of 1600• Manage the $50 million performance contract for the Community Service Board• A development partner for the "Housing Resource Center," a seamless approach to service provision for the homeless• Oversee the development of a "data dashboard" that demonstrates staff productivity in processing federal benefits(i.e. SNAP and Medicaid)• Oversee facility renovations and project management for the $10M Witchduck Annex Building

Seattle, Wa, Us

Appointed by the Mayor, I reported directly to the Deputy Mayor to participate as a member of the Mayor’s Cabinet. My responsibilities involved briefing the Mayor and the executive team on establishing public policy for human services programs. I regularly convened city-wide consortiums in collaboration with the Seattle Downtown Business Association, Office of the Mayor, Department of Planning/Development and the Seattle Police Department for solutions to homelessness. While Director, I managed a $149M budget portfolio, led an eight member executive team and staff of 400 including represented employees of PTE Local 17. Serving more than 652K vulnerable citizens via policy direction, program deliverables, and contract management, I provided the agency with strategic leadership. I managed the allocation of $12M in city funding to the King County Health Department for prevention and wellness programs. Performance Benchmarks:• Developed and presented the $149M HSD department budget to the City Council annually.• Provided oversight for 520 procurement contracts and ensured fiscal solvency and compliance.• Oversaw the development of the first strategic plan for the Human Services Department.• Developed a Community Supporting Safe and Stable Housing, investment plan for homeless services. • Reported to the Chair, Seattle City Council Housing, Human Services, Health and Culture Art Committee for legislative policy and oversight of programs that impacted the citizens of Seattle.

Atlanta, Georgia, Us

Appointed by the State Commissioner, I reported directly to the Director of Operations to provide oversight and strategic leadership for Fulton County Department of Family and Children Services (DFCS). I ensured exceptional services to citizens that received Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF), Medicaid, as well as families involved in the Child Welfare System. For child welfare services, I coordinated the outcomes required to meet the Fulton/DeKalb Counties “Kenny A Consent Decree." Performance Benchmarks:• Managed $96M budget portfolio, led a five member executive team and a staff of 1,200.• Developed and presented $6M budget to the Fulton County Board of Commissioners.• Led the Child Protective Services division which served over 150K families per month.• Oversaw the Office of Independence and the 163K clients of SNAP, TANF and Medicaid.• Participated in “Judges Oversight Committee” meetings with judicial staff and Child Protective Service leaders.

Masters Degree, Social Work

Executive Management And Leadership Program

Bachelor Of Science, Psychology