Welcome
Debra L. Wentz, PhD
President & Chief Executive Officer
New Jersey Association of Mental Health and Addiction Agencies, Inc. (NJAMHAA)
Dr. Debra L. Wentz is President and CEO of NJAMHAA and Executive Director of its 501(c)(3) affiliate, the New Jersey Mental Health Institute (NJMHI). She is dedicated to improving lives by transforming perceptions of mental health and addiction among government officials, corporate leaders, the media, and the public through innovative advocacy, communications, and education.
Under her leadership, NJAMHAA received the Advocacy Leadership Award for Organizational Excellence from the National Council for Mental Wellbeing in 2020. Dr. Wentz has been honored with numerous state and national awards for her contributions.
A recognized expert in mental health and substance use issues, she is frequently featured and cited in the media. Dr. Wentz serves on multiple state and national boards and committees, including as Chair of the New Jersey Governor’s Council on Mental Health Stigma and member of the New Jersey Opioid Recovery and Remediation Fund Advisory Council.
Her academic achievements include a doctoral degree from the University of Paris, France; a second PhD and an MA from the University of Connecticut; an Executive MBA from the Wharton Business School’s Alternative Careers Program at the University of Pennsylvania; and a BA from Goucher College.
