March 19, 2003
Governor Jennifer M. Granholm today announced the appointment of Yvonne Blackmond as Director of the state’s Office of Drug Control Policy.
“Yvonne is the kind of leader who steps up to the plate ready to get the job done,” Granholm said. “She will be devoted and dedicated to helping save lives and create safer, drug-free streets for our children.”
Blackmond, 49, of Southfield, most recently served as Director of Development and Community Relations at Starr Commonwealth in Detroit where she was responsible for providing operational leadership for all development functions. Starr Commonwealth is a private, non-profit organization that works to improve the lives of children, teens, and families.
Previously, she served as the Executive Director of the Courage Drug Prevention and Education Program. While there, she developed, administered and evaluated drug prevention and education programs for schools and communities. In addition, she crafted a 35-page drug prevention handbook that was distributed throughout Michigan.
From 1974 to 1987, Blackmond served as a deputy sheriff in the Los Angeles County Sheriff Department in California where she was a jailer, patrol officer, school safety officer, and bailiff. She was selected as a member of the first official drug prevention program, Substance Abuse Narcotics Education (SANE).
She has been a consultant to private community development events and organizations and is past chair of the Board of Directors of the Alliance for a Safer Greater Detroit.
The Office of Drug Policy is part of the Department of Community Health and seeks to improve the quality of life for Michigan citizens by reducing the use and sale of illegal drugs and related violence. It strives to accomplish its goals through education, prevention, treatment, and law enforcement initiatives.
The position of Director of the Office of Drug Control Policy is not subject to Senate confirmation.
