[ST. PAUL, MN] – Governor Tim Walz and Lieutenant Governor Peggy Flanagan today announced the appointment of Jeremy Drucker to serve as the administration’s Addiction and Recovery Director, a new position reporting directly to the Governor that will break down silos and leverage systems in state government to address addiction and recovery in Minnesota.

“The addiction crisis is growing in Minnesota and across the country. As Addiction and Recovery Director, Jeremy Drucker will work across state government to ensure services and supports are available and accessible for those living with addiction throughout their journey in recovery.” said Governor Walz. “Jeremy has the experience to be a solutions-focused leader, and I have confidence he will excel in this new role.”

“Jeremy Drucker understands the complexities of addiction and the importance of working across state government and listening to Minnesotans – with our office’s focus on Native communities and communities of color who continue to be disproportionately impacted by this crisis and horrible disease,” said Lieutenant Governor Flanagan. “We are grateful that Jeremy will be returning to public service to create better outcomes for Minnesotans living with addiction.”

"Substance use disorder hurts individuals, destroys families, and undermines communities," said Jeremy Drucker. "But people can and do recover, especially when they have access to the support, care, and resources they need to achieve long-term recovery. I am excited to get working on making this a reality for more Minnesotans."

About Jeremy Drucker

Drucker is a person in long-term recovery. He currently serves as the president of JD Strategies, LLC, a public affairs consultancy. He has worked in public affairs and government in New York City and Minnesota for over 15 years. He held several positions in former Minnesota Governor Mark Dayton’s administration, including as a senior health care official for the state’s Medicaid program and health insurance exchange. Drucker received his B.A. from the University of St. Thomas and his M.A. from the City University of New York, and he was a Humphrey Policy Fellow from 2011 to 2012. He serves as the board chair of Minnesota Recovery Connection, a nonprofit helping people achieve and sustain recovery from substance use disorder, and he is vice chair of the Mounds Park Academy Board of Trustees, an independent K-12 school in East St. Paul.

About the Addiction and Recovery Director

Governor Walz signed legislation in June establishing the role of Addiction and Recovery Director, the Subcabinet on Opioids, Substance Use, and Recovery, and its corresponding Advisory Council. This legislation was based on the Governor’s Executive Order 22-07, issued in April 2022. The director will lead addiction and recovery work in the State of Minnesota and work with communities across the state to develop support services for those living with addiction.