Gov. Haslam appoints West Tenn. native as commissioner of Mental Health & Substance Abuse Services

NASHVILLE — A West Tennessee native has been appointed by the governor as the new commissioner of the Tennessee Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services.

Marie Williams

Marie Williams will officially assume her new role Oct. 22, according to a release from the office of Gov. Bill Haslam.

Williams, a Crockett County native, was appointed to the position by Gov. Haslam and will replace Commissioner Doug Varney who announced his retirement last week.

“Marie’s passion for helping the mentally ill, the homeless and those with drug and alcohol addictions inspires her to create innovative, high-impact programs that make a difference,” Gov. Haslam said in the release. “Marie has the experience and the drive to continue the progress made to help some of our most vulnerable citizens.”

Williams started with the department in 2000 and has served as deputy commissioner since 2011, directly managing the department’s daily operations and budget, according to the release.