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Biography of Director Renée Zito

Renée Zito was appointed Director of the California Department of Alcohol and Drug Programs by Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger on February 22, 2007. 

In her role she will lead the State’s alcohol and drug treatment and prevention efforts.  She oversees approximately 300 employees in the Department and is responsible for an annual budget of $600 million, which includes funding for both the federal Substance abuse Prevention and Treatment (SAPT) Block Grant and the Drug Medi-Cal program.

Renée’s extensive background in the treatment field brings a unique perspective to the Department of Alcohol and Drug Programs.  Throughout her career Renée has always had an interest in women’s issues.  Renée previously served as director of programs at Marin Services for Women since 2000, where she oversaw and managed the staff for the residential and outpatient programs, housing and education services, as well as the admission department.   She was able to successfully expand treatment services transforming Marin from a 12 bed facility to a 40 bed facility.  

She also served as executive director of Hazelden Alcohol and Drug Addiction Treatment Center in New York.   Under her leadership, Hazelden went from a halfway house to a treatment center providing a full continuum of services.   Prior to that, she was director of treatment at Smithers Alcoholism Rehabilitation Center of the St. Luke’s/Roosevelt Hospital Center.  

Renée taught at the New York State Academy of Addiction Studies and served as an adjunct instructor at Hunter College.  Renée is from San Francisco, and has a master’s degree in social work from Hunter College and a bachelor’s degree from Fordham University.