On Wednesday, March 11, 2009, SADD Chairman and CEO Stephen Wallace joined other drug education and prevention experts, as well as law enforcement officials, including the police chiefs of Los Angeles, New York City, and Washington, DC, at a White House event announcing that President Obama has nominated Seattle Police Chief Gil Kerlikowske as the new Director of the Office of National Drug Control Policy (ONDCP). President Obama’s nomination must still be approved by the Senate.
The invitation from the ONDCP to have SADD represented at such a prestigious event recognizes the collaboration between both organizations on a number of initiatives critical to youth health and safety. Most recently, SADD partnered with the ONDCP’s National Youth Anti-Drug Media Campaign for a radio media tour about the link between stress and drug use among teens.
“SADD has been honored to be a longstanding partner with the ONDCP and looks forward to working with Mr. Kerlikowske to educate young people about the dangers associated with illicit drug use and underage drinking,” said Wallace.