Article archive / February 1, 2012
Originally published: . Volume 3, No. 6. Source pages: 1, 4.
Louisiana Department of Health and Hospitals (DHH) Secretary Bruce Greenstein announced on January 20 that Dr. Anthony Speier will become the New Assistant Secretary for the Office of Behavioral Health. Dr. Speier is a licensed psychologist who earned his PhD in psychology from LSU.
Dr. Speier’s appointment takes place immediately. He has been serving as Interim Assistant Secretary of OBH and has served the department for 30 in a number of roles, according to the announcement. These roles and duties have included Director of the Division of Community Service Systems, Statewide Director of Disaster Mental Health Services, Director Division of Program Development and Implementation. He began serving as Deputy Assistant Secretary, Department of Health and Hospitals, in 2008.
"Tony has been instrumental in shaping the Louisiana Behavioral Health Partnership and Coordinated System of Care which will transform how behavioral health services are paid for and delivered in our state with a much greater focus on community-based care and coordination of care for better outcomes," Deputy Secretary Kathy Kliebert said in the announcement.
Kliebert had previously held the position of OBH Assistant Secretary until being named DHH's Deputy Secretary early last year. "His caring approach to leadership has helped us steadily take the bold steps needed to change the lives of people with behavioral health care needs,” she was noted to say.
In this role as Assistant Secretary, Dr. Speier will direct the short and long term goals of the department, including the delivery of quality mental health and addiction services, and “the implementation of the Louisiana Behavioral Health Partnership and the operation of community services and public psychiatric facilities in the state,” according to the announcement.
Dr. Speier has been recognized nationally for his work with the Louisiana Spirit program, coming after hurricanes Katrina and Rita, and aim to help the people of South Louisiana deal with the psychological consequences of the devastation.
The news release also announced the appointment of Dr. Laura Brackin to the Assistant Secretary for the Office for Citizens with Development Disabilities. Secretary Greenstein said, "Both Dr. Brackin and Dr. Speier bring a passion for service and strong leadership skills to our executive team. We will be relying on them to help us carry out the many transformative initiatives we have been building in recent years. At the same time, their leadership for innovation and efficiency will help us build a stronger agency with the focus on putting people first."
Dr. Tony Speier is married to Dr. Karen Speier, medical psychologist, who also attended LSU, and who practices in Baton Rouge.
Dr. Tony Speier with wife, Dr. Karen Speier, at the LSU alumni gathering in 2010. Dr. Tony Speier was recently named Assistant Secretary for Office of Behavioral Health in LA Department of Health and Hospitals.
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