Lesley Puryear
Great Neck,NY
Summary
Accomplished professional with a proven track record within OASAS, currently serving as Director of the Bureau of Opioid Treatment in the Addiction, Treatment, and Recovery (ATAR) Division. Expertise in policy development and implementation of initiatives that align with OASAS’ Strategic Plan, along with a comprehensive understanding of Medicaid and Medicare billing practices. Clinical competence in addressing substance use disorders from both state and provider perspectives, complemented by exceptional verbal and written communication skills. Recognized for effective crisis management, team building, and trauma-informed supervision, demonstrating a commitment to fostering productivity and efficiency within teams while adeptly navigating complex regulatory environments.
Overview
21
21
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Director, Bureau of Opioid Treatment (OASAS Program Manager 1)
New York State Office of Addiction Services and Supports (OASAS)
08.2024 - Current
- Provide leadership in OASAS’ mission to expand ongoing development, implementation, and support related to the provision of OUD services by the State’s Part 822 OTPs, COPs and MMUs, focusing on expansion of care to underserved parts of the state; innovate policies and initiatives that will ensure success.
- Strong knowledge of OASAS operating regulations (including outpatient, residential, prevention services), as well as federal regulations which particularly impact OTP services.
- Lead and motivate a team of 6 bureau team members; provide ongoing supervision/professional development. Monitor team members’ special project progression and day-to-day team operations. Provide direction and assign work tasks; complete performance reviews, program evaluations, and monitor time and attendance.
- Closely collaborate with OASAS divisions and bureaus openly and effectively bureaus for consistency of messaging, policies, purpose, implementation, evaluation and strategies as they relate to the expansion of MAT services through initiatives our bureau oversees, and to ensure all parties are on the same page.
- Represent OASAS’ position and collaborate with key stakeholders (e.g., DOH, OMH, NY’s LGUs, Joint Commission, CARF, COMPA, MAS Transportation, etc.) for best practices within the OTP system/other systems of care.
- Create Programmatic narratives for OASAS’ Procurements/Grants Management Team to include on prospective contractors for OASAS (e.g., Opioid Treatment Registry, Treatment Advocacy Group).
- Conduct Office Hours and other meetings/presentations with all NY OTPs/COPs/MMU providers (virtually); reinstated in-person Regional OTP Forums across the state to hear from our providers, gain additional insights into their needs/challenges/accomplishments, and provide support.
- Closely collaborate with OASAS' bureaus to implement the mission and vision of the agency as well as work closely with external stakeholders
- Maintain 24/7 phone coverage for any OTP-related emergencies.
NYS Opioid Treatment Authority (SOTA) and Bureau Director, Adult Treatment Services (OASAS Program Manager 1)
New York State Office of Addiction Services and Supports (OASAS)
12.2021 - 07.2024
- Promoted to position the State’s Opioid Treatment Authority (SOTA) and Bureau Director. Worked collaboratively with State and Federal leadership to regulate the establishment and ongoing operation of medication assisted treatment programs statewide.
- In conjunction with the DEA and SAMHSA, facilitated the establishment of new programs (e.g., the MMU initiative) and ongoing operations of existing OTPs statewide.
- At the introduction (and subsequent implementation) of the Final Rule, ensured all OTPs , OASAS teams and other relevant, external agencies were provided guidance and understood the positive, sweeping changes that allowed greater flexibility for patient care
- Served as the OASAS representative related to OTP policy at local, State, and Federal government level as well as provider organizations, health plans, and other external agencies and advocacy groups.
- Responded to OTP emergencies (e.g., patient-related, weather, physical plant, etc.); notified all OTPs well in advance of potentially bad weather (when anticipated).
- Served as Principal Investigator for SAMHSA’s Promoting the Integration of Primary and Behavioral Healthcare (PIPBHC) grant.
- Facilitated conversation and understanding to ensure OTP programs’ compliance with Federal and State regulations, particularly when the programs were becoming operational.
- Informed OASAS Executive Team of national issues related to treatment services for opioid use disorder vis-à-vis regularly scheduled (or special) meetings with SAMHSA and NASADAD.
Regional Coordinator (Addiction Program Specialist 4), Regional Office
New York State Office of Addiction Services and Supports (OASAS)
12.2021 - 07.2024
- Received promotion to New York City Regional Coordinator position in June 2018.
- Responsible for the day-to-day oversight of a cohort of licensed, directly funded and allocated OASAS-licensed SUD Treatment, Prevention, Recovery programs.
- Supervised a team of four (and as many as seven) Program Managers to oversee all aspects of program and contract management (including routine and health/safety site visits. Performed time-sensitive follow-up of Justice Center Incidents.
- Analyzed providers' annual Operating Budgets, scrutinizing budget changes; responsibility for addressing fiscal concerns and monitoring fiscal changes of funded and allocated providers.
- Ensured movement of OASAS Capital and Minor Maintenance projects for providers progress as scheduled and respond to any facility plant emergencies in the region.
- Facilitated Prior Consult meetings in the pre-screening process of prospective SUD providers for the NYC region, necessitating being well-versed and mindful of new developments in SUD service delivery
- OASAS regulations, community stakeholder input, and the impact to the patient population/provider system as a result.
- Represented OASAS at the New York Council on Problem Gambling (NYCPG) conference external events (e.g., ribbon-cuttings, stakeholder forums, etc.).
Program Manager (Addictions Program Specialist 2), Long Island Regional Office
New York State Office of Alcoholism & Substance Abuse Services (OASAS)
11.2014 - 06.2018
- Lead responsibility for assigned Treatment and Prevention programs across OASAS' Long Island Region, coordinate programs' oversight with the Nassau and Suffolk County LGUs.
- Upheld OASAS regulations, and assist providers with OASAS regulatory, operational and fiscal compliance. Liaise between OASAS and providers.
- Performed time-sensitive follow-up of Justice Center Incidents as directed, initiating outreach to OASAS providers to obtain facts to facilitate investigations by the Justice Center.
- Conducted meetings, site visits, Comprehensive and Fiscal Site Reviews in accordance with OASAS requirements; generate Corrective Action Plan (CAP) reports to providers to correct deficiencies.
- Prepared comprehensive assessments and recommendations at the annual Program Performance Review/Budget process, including approvals of budget submissions, budget change requests, Prevention Workplans. Generate Management Plans as needed.
- Assisted in the development of Capital and Minor Maintenance projects; reviewed Certification Applications submitted by existing and prospective OASAS providers.
Director of Marketing and Special Events
Outreach (Formerly Outreach Project, Brentwood, NY)
01.2012 - 01.2014
- Presented the agency’s array of services to key external stakeholders (e.g., Probation, Family Court) and conducted community open house events for program marketing. Key agency role in raising more than $100K during Outreach Long Island's annual fundraising luncheon.
- Performed clinical insurance utilization review for all adolescent residential patients, including precertification of newly admitted patients; managed ongoing, concurrent insurance reviews/appeals, and established self-pay cases for uninsured families.
Director, Outreach House II Adolescent Residential Program
Outreach (Formerly Outreach Project)
01.2007 - 01.2011
- Directed all clinical, quality assurance and physical plant aspects of a 50-bed adolescent residential SUD program. Supervised team of 25 staff members.
- Ensured the program received two three-year OASAS Operating Certificates at Recertification Review time by implementing systems for internal quality assurance.
- Served on Agency’s Incident Review Committee, Professional Development and Marketing Charters.
- Managed all third-party insurance cases (including precertification and concurrent review) to ensure continuous funding to meet agency and families' needs. Advocated for patient coverage and performed appeals.
Director of Admissions
Phoenix House of Long Island, West Brentwood, NY
01.2005 - 01.2007
- Directed regional admissions for the six Phoenix House residential SUD sites in Suffolk County, NY. Assessed adult and adolescent patients for admission presenting with co-occurring mental health diagnoses. Led a team of five admissions counselors. Oversaw department’s operating budget.
- Collaborated with the OMH LI Field Office at monthly Single Point of Access (SPA) meetings to ensure patients with complex needs were able to secure housing, treatment and social supports.
Education
Master of Social Work -
Stony Brook University, School of Social Welfare
Stony Brook, NYLicensed Master Social Worker (LMSW) -
New York State License #073298
Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) -
School of Visual Arts
New York, NYSkills
- Regulatory oversight
- Government relations expertise
- Strategic decision-making
- Strategic policy formulation
- Leadership in cross-departmental collaboration
- Motivational people management
- Calm problem-solving in high-stress situations
Accomplishments
- Co-Presented, “No Stigma: Better Access and Integration of Methadone,” at the 2024 AATOD National Conference, and represented NY at NASADAD’s Annual Meetings in 2023 and 2024.
- Before and after SAMHSA’s Final Rule (42 CFR, Part 8) took effect on April 2, 2024, led and supported NY’s OTPs, OASAS teams and relevant external stakeholders in a deeper understanding of the positive, sweeping changes of the Rule.
- Helped develop policy and guidance for OASAS' groundbreaking, priority projects including Mobile Medication Units (MMUs), Comprehensive Outpatient Programs (COPs) that expand access to care for individuals across NY.
- Provided continuity for the MAT in Jails/Prisons work with OASAS' Division of Criminal Justice and Counsel’s Office for the NYS law that took effect on October 7, 2022; collaborated with/strengthened relationships between OASAS and DOCCS/SCOC and supported NY’s OTPs throughout.
- During tenure as NY’s SOTA, provided guidance in support of Federal regulatory relief during COVID-19 to maintain flexibility in support of OTP patients receiving extended medication take-home doses, as the risks of community-acquired COVID illness outweighed the risks of diversion (and ensured patients did not go without their life-saving medication).
- Recognizing the need for bureau expansion to effectively manage/address key OASAS initiatives to ensure access to care across the state, advocated for and received additional bureau team members to become, 'The SOTA Team,” along with a chain of command, and implemented the SOTA Mailbox to respond in real-time to OTP and other entities' concerns.
- Successfully supervised team of Regional Office Program Managers remotely via telecommuting from the onset of the pandemic.
- Maintain positive working relationships with key external agencies (e.g., DOH, OMH, NY’s LGUs, etc.) meet with local elected and community stakeholders (e.g., Garment District Alliance, West Midtown BID) to ameliorate community pushback, combat stigma, and increase awareness about OASAS’ services.
Affiliations
National Association of Social Workers (NASW)
Certification
SIFI Certification Supervision in Field Instruction (SIFI)
Languages
Spanish
Professional Working
Timeline
Director, Bureau of Opioid Treatment (OASAS Program Manager 1)
New York State Office of Addiction Services and Supports (OASAS)
08.2024 - Current
NYS Opioid Treatment Authority (SOTA) and Bureau Director, Adult Treatment Services (OASAS Program Manager 1)
New York State Office of Addiction Services and Supports (OASAS)
12.2021 - 07.2024
Regional Coordinator (Addiction Program Specialist 4), Regional Office
New York State Office of Addiction Services and Supports (OASAS)
12.2021 - 07.2024
Program Manager (Addictions Program Specialist 2), Long Island Regional Office
New York State Office of Alcoholism & Substance Abuse Services (OASAS)
11.2014 - 06.2018
Director of Marketing and Special Events
Outreach (Formerly Outreach Project, Brentwood, NY)
01.2012 - 01.2014
Director, Outreach House II Adolescent Residential Program
Outreach (Formerly Outreach Project)
01.2007 - 01.2011
Director of Admissions
Phoenix House of Long Island, West Brentwood, NY
01.2005 - 01.2007
Master of Social Work -
Stony Brook University, School of Social Welfare
Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW) -
New York State License #073298
Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) -
School of Visual Arts
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