NEW CASTLE, Del. (AP) — The Department of Health and Social Services says Democratic State Rep. Michael Barbieri has been named director of the Division of Substance Abuse and Mental Health.
Secretary Rita Landgraf announced the appointment Monday, saying it is effective on Aug. 4. Barbieri, who has represented the Newark area since 2008, will resign from the House on Aug. 3.
Barbieri, a social worker, is chief executive officer of Crossroads of Delaware, a youth treatment center in Wilmington. He says he will relinquish his ownership in Crossroads.
Barbieri will succeed Dr. Gerard Gallucci, who has been acting director since Kevin Ann Huckshorn resigned in October 2014.
A special election will be conducted to fill Barbieri’s 18th District House seat.