Melanie Whitter is the Deputy Executive Director for the National Association of State Alcohol and Drug Agency Directors (NASADAD). In this role, she facilitates the translation of research and knowledge into state practice, sharing state evidence-based and best practices across the nation, and identifying state problems and issues that merit further study and research; provides technical assistance to the NASADAD membership; and coordinates and facilitates timely information exchange to the States concerning policies, programs and practices in the substance use disorder field. Prior to her role at NASADAD, she held the position of Principal Associate and led Abt Associate’s Behavioral Health Practice. She has also held the position of Single State Authority for alcohol and other drug services for the State of Illinois and served on the NASADAD Board of Directors, as the Vice-President for Treatment, and as a Regional Director.  She is a member and served on the Board of the College for Behavioral Health Leadership.  Over her career, she has been recognized for her commitment to advancing system change by building workforce and infrastructure capacity, creating and sustaining partnerships, and emphasizing research and evaluation.