A. Kathryn Power, M.Ed. is Director of the Center for Mental Health Services (CMHS), Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), an operating division of the US Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS). CMHS provides national leadership in mental health promotion, mental illness prevention, and the development and dissemination of effective mental health services.

Director Power leads a staff of 126 professionals in facilitating the transformation of our nation’s mental health care system into one that is recovery-oriented and consumer-centered. Director Power received the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Secretary's Award for Distinguished Service on these occasions: 2004, For outstanding leadership and accomplishments in the national effort to reduce and ultimately eliminate seclusion and restraint in mental health and substance abuse service settings; 2005, For outstanding collaborative spirit in leading an unprecedented Federal coalition to transform mental health services in the United States; 2006, For distinguished service in providing increased capacity for mental health and substance abuse treatment services following Hurricanes Katrina, Rita and Wilma.

Director Power received her Bachelor’s degree in education from St. Joseph’s College in Emmitsburg, Maryland, and her Master’s degree in education and counseling from Western Maryland College. She is a graduate of the Toll Fellowship program of the Council of State Governments, which promotes the development of State leaders through intensive work in policy, management, and executive decision making. She has also completed programs in senior executive leadership development, mental health leadership, and substance abuse leadership at the Harvard University John F. Kennedy School of Government. In addition, she has extensive training and teaching experience in leadership, ethics, public service, policy development, and program implementation.

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