Tom Coderre

Public Health Advisor at SAMHSA and Former Rhode Island State Senator and Gubernatorial Advisor

Tom Coderre is a Public Health Advisor at the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) and was the first person in recovery to lead the federal government agency as its Acting Assistant Secretary. With decades of public, private, and non-profit experience, Tom’s career has been significantly influenced by his personal journey and a philosophy that acknowledges the essential role peer recovery support services play in helping people with mental illness and addiction get help, rebuild their lives, and thrive. Mr. Coderre is from Rhode Island where he served as a member of the State Senate, Chief of Staff to the Senate President, and advisor to the Governor. He is a graduate of Rhode Island College where he studied political science and public administration. Tom also appeared in the documentary film Anonymous People, and led the team that produced “Facing Addiction in America: The Surgeon General’s Report on Alcohol, Drugs, and Health.”