Kelly Primus

Kelly M. Primus’, MS.,  Deputy Secretary, Pennsylvania Department of Drug and Alcohol Programs, 20+ years of experience in human services are a testament to her dedication towards improving services and systems for the people who use them and for the staff that provide them. Kelly began her career managing fundraising projects for nonprofits, then transitioned to working directly for a variety of community-based human services organizations. She also has worked in the managed care and behavioral health sectors, concentrating on the development and implementation of Medicaid behavioral health managed care programs and quality improvement. This has included developing program outcomes; expanding value-based incentives; fostering input and involvement from people in recovery, family members, providers, and others; and applying evidence-based practices to public sector services, including implementing and monitoring a successful permanent supported housing program. In her current role, Kelly is leveraging her experience with various components of the service system to support the Department and Shapiro Administration’s priorities to benefit people with substance use disorders, the people who love them, providers, and the communities across the Commonwealth.