Illinois Meth Project Names Executive Director

Meth prevention campaign selects experienced community and policy leader

SPRINGFIELD, Ill., May 5 -- The Illinois Meth Project today announced that it has appointed Steven Mange, a well-known advocate in the fight against methamphetamine, as its executive director. Mange assumed his new duties on April 16, 2008.

Before joining the Illinois Meth Project, Mange served as Senior Policy Advisor to Illinois Attorney General Lisa Madigan, where he devoted most of his time to addressing the state's ongoing Meth issues. Mange brings years of policy and community relations experience to his new position, including considerable work helping build local coalitions and statewide alliances to support stronger anti-Meth policies.

"The Illinois Meth Project is pleased to have an executive director who is a domain expert in this issue at the local, state, and national levels," said Michael Reagan, the Project's chairman. "Steve will be instrumental in working with government agencies and community groups, and expanding this innovative program to other parts of the state where Meth is a devastating reality."

In his new role, Mange will work with existing anti-Meth coalitions and community groups to help prevent first-time Meth use, especially among young people. These efforts will focus on outreach among schools, since studies show youth and teens are particularly vulnerable to trying the drug. Mange will also spearhead efforts to expand the Illinois Meth Project into state media markets beyond the Springfield, Champaign, and Decatur region, where it is currently focused.

Mange became familiar with the Project while working on Meth issues with Attorney General Lisa Madigan. Since taking office in 2003, Madigan has made eradicating Meth use a priority, drafting key legislation, training law enforcement, working closely with community coalitions and statewide organizations. These efforts have dramatically raised the level of public understanding and awareness of the Meth problem. Madigan has assumed a leadership role with the Illinois Meth Project as well, serving on the Project's advisory council and helping launch the initiative in February 2008.

"My office has been able to do incredible work to combat the manufacture and use of methamphetamine in Illinois and Steve Mange has been instrumental in that process," said Attorney General Madigan. "I commend the Meth Project for coming to Illinois. I am looking forward to continuing our fight to curb Meth manufacture and use, and I am excited to be working with the Meth Project."

Mange holds a law degree from New York University School of Law, an M.A. from the University of Chicago, and a B.A. from the University of Wisconsin.

About the Illinois Meth Project

The Illinois Meth Project is a non-profit organization that implements a range of advertising and community action programs to reduce methamphetamine use. Launched in February 2008, the Illinois Meth Project leverages a proven model that combines extensive research with a hard-hitting, integrated media campaign. The Illinois Meth Project is established by the Meth Project, a national non-profit organization headquartered in Palo Alto, California, aimed at significantly reducing first-time Meth use through public service messaging, public policy, and community outreach. The Meth Project is supported by the Thomas and Stacey Siebel Foundation.

SOURCE Illinois Meth Project