TALLAHASSEE /Florida Newswire/ -– Governor Charlie Crist today appointed Bruce D. Grant as director of the Governor’s Office of Drug Control Policy. He served as Assistant Secretary of Community Corrections for the Florida Department of Corrections from 2007 to July 2009. “Bruce’s commitment to the safety and security of Florida and our nation is unparalleled,” Governor Crist said. “As an experienced leader and decorated war veteran, he has the ability to address the drug-control needs of our state.”
From 2001 to 2005, Grant served in the Governor’s Office of Drug Control as Chief of the Counterdrug Law Enforcement, and later as Chief of Staff. In December 2005, he resigned his position in the Governor’s office and volunteered to return to active duty to serve with the United States Army in Iraq. From 2005 to 2006, Colonel Grant served with the 101st Airborne Division as the Deputy Team Leader of the Provincial Reconstruction Team in Mosul, Iraq, working to rebuild the governmental, legal, and economic institutions of the province.
A 1974 graduate of the United States Military Academy at West Point, Grant holds a master’s degree in Public Administration from the University of Puget Sound. He served in the United States Army as an Infantry Officer for 27 years before retiring in March 2001. During that time, he held several key positions including command at every level from platoon through battalion. He served in the 82nd Airborne Division, the 75th Ranger Regiment, the Southern European Task Force, and with NATO peacekeeping forces in Bosnia. The majority of his Army career included command, operations, and planning, and he has extensive experience in planning, organizing and conducting complex joint task force operations.
“Bruce’s past experience with our state’s probation system and drug control strategies will make him an exemplary leader of the Office of Drug Control, who will help coordinate our efforts to combat drug abuse,” Lt. Governor Jeff Kottkamp said.
The Florida Office of Drug Control Policy coordinates drug control efforts by working with the public and private sectors to provide information about substance abuse and treatment programs and services. The director serves as the Governor’s liaison with state and federal agencies and advises the Governor and Legislature on trends, program funding and implementation of the strategic drug control plan.
Grant is appointed to a term beginning October 23, 2009, and ending at the pleasure of the Governor. The appointment is subject to confirmation by the Florida Senate.
Grant replaces William H. Janes, who recently retired after serving as director of the office since 2007. From 1999 to 2006, he was the Director of Strategy for the Office of National Drug Control Policy and also served 24 years as a United States Army Officer.
“I thank Bill for his leadership in leading Florida’s drug control efforts,” said Governor Crist. “His military experience, coupled with expertise in substance abuse and mental health issues, have made him an important part of Florida’s work.”
