Jenn Newell has built a career in public service, with nearly 25 years in various roles focused on supporting individuals with substance use disorders. She began her journey in 2000 as a Case Manager at the Dauphin County Department of Drugs and Alcohol. In 2002, she transitioned to the Commonwealth as a Drug and Alcohol Program Representative in what is now the Department of Drug and Alcohol Programs (DDAP), where she has since taken on multiple positions of increasing responsibility.

During her tenure at DDAP, Jenn served as the Director of the Bureau of Quality Assurance and Administration, providing strategic leadership and oversight for fiscal, administrative, and programmatic functions. Her diverse responsibilities encompassed budget management, rate setting, procurement, grants oversight, quality improvement, data management, implementation of IT systems solutions, training, and human resources. In 2012, DDAP evolved into a cabinet-level agency, witnessing a remarkable budget increase of approximately 300%. Jenn held responsibility for managing these funds, expanding services to vulnerable populations, and meeting the rigorous federal and state demands for data collection and reporting. Her leadership style blends stability with compassion, ensuring her team delivers exceptional customer service to stakeholders and individuals in need.

Jenn holds a bachelor’s degree in Rehabilitation Services Education with a minor in Psychology from Pennsylvania State University. She is also a proud graduate of the Commonwealth’s Leadership Development Institute, class of 2015.

A lifelong resident of central Pennsylvania, Jenn now lives in Enola with her husband and two children. She is deeply committed to her family and community, passionately volunteering at her church in various roles to foster connection and support for those around her.

Jenn has agreed to meet RCPA members at our January 2025 IDD meeting.