Deputy Henrico manager tapped to lead state opioid authority
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Deputy Henrico County Manager for Public Safety Anthony McDowell will leave the county to become the first executive director of the Virginia Opioid Abatement Authority. McDowell will begin the new role Aug. 1.
Prior to his current role with Henrico, McDowell served as the county’s fire chief. He has worked extensively with the Henrico community to address substance abuse disorders.
The VOAA was established to administer the Opioid Abatement Fund which receives monies from settlements, judgements, verdicts and other court orders related to claims regarding opioids. The agency provides grants and loans to treat, prevent and/or reduce opioid use and the misuse of the drugs.
“I am excited to be part of the Opioid Abatement Authority’s mission of saving lives,” McDowell said. “With these settlement funds, we have a real opportunity to make a difference and to turn back the tide on the opioid epidemic in Virginia.”
“We are thrilled to welcome Tony, who is already hard at work and prepared to hit the ground running on day one,” said OAA Chairman Senator Todd Pillion. “Operationalizing a brand-new authority is a major task and responsibility, especially when considering the scope and importance of the OAA’s mission to save lives and strengthen our communities. As a Board, our top priority is to ensure we have the best team assembled to work with us and all federal, state, and community stakeholders to implement a bold strategy that is accountable and responsive to the resource needs to remediate and abate the opioid epidemic in the Commonwealth.”
Sarah Melton, chair of the OAA Hiring Committee and vice chair of the authority, led the charge in developing and implementing the process that led to McDowell’s selection as executive director.
“Tony comes to us with a vision of how we can quickly move forward to begin distributing funding to prevent, treat, and reduce opioid use disorder in the commonwealth," Melton said. "The work of the authority will undoubtedly save lives and Tony is well-positioned to lead us in this effort. The board is excited to welcome him to the team!”
