New Era of Leadership for Tennessee’s Substance Abuse Authority

Dr. Stephen Loyd and Taryn Harrison Sloss Assume New Leadership Roles for the Department

NASHVILLE - The Tennessee Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services (TDMHSAS) begins a new era of leadership in the Division of Substance Abuse Services. Dr. Stephen Loyd has been appointed as Assistant Commissioner and Taryn Harrison Sloss will now serve as Deputy Assistant Commissioner for the Division.

“We are very fortunate to have this dynamic duo leading our outstanding team in the Division of Substance Abuse Services,” said TDMHSAS Commissioner Marie Williams. “This dedicated team of individuals is focused on improving outcomes, being innovative, resolving challenges and collaborating with our statewide network of providers to impact the lives of so many Tennesseans struggling with substance use issues.”

Dr. Stephen Loyd is a well-respected physician with an outstanding professional career coupled with his own personal story of triumph over opioid addiction. He most recently served TDMHSAS as the Medical Director of Substance Abuse Services. Prior to joining the Department, Dr. Loyd was an Associate Professor at the James H. Quillen College of Medicine East Tennessee State University in Johnson City, Tennessee and served as the Chief of Medicine at the Mountain Home VA Medical Center.

“I am humbled at the opportunity to serve as Assistant Commissioner for Substance Abuse Services,” said Dr. Loyd. “I would like to thank Commissioner Williams and Deputy Commissioner West for their support as we work with our providers on expanding our prevention, education and treatment services across the state. With the recently announced federal funding of $13.8 Million, Tennessee has a monumental opportunity to impact the lives of so many and I am honored to be part of the equation.”

Prior to being appointed as Assistant Deputy Commissioner, Taryn Harrison Sloss served the State of Tennessee in various positions for over 20 years including her most recent role as Program Development Director in the Division of Substance Abuse Services for TDMHSAS since 2008.

“Taryn’s experience, vision and passion for serving those with substance abuse issues, made her an obvious choice to serve as Deputy Assistant Commissioner for the Division of Substance Abuse Services,” said Commissioner Williams.

“I am truly honored and excited to be given this opportunity to serve as Deputy Assistant Commissioner,” said Sloss. “I look forward to working side by side with Dr. Loyd and the fantastic team members we have within the Division of Substance Abuse Services as we work towards improving the lives of Tennesseans struggling with substance abuse.”

 

Our Mission: Provide, plan for, and promote a comprehensive array of quality prevention, early intervention, treatment, habilitation, rehabilitation and recovery support services for Tennesseans with mental illness and substance abuse issues.  Our Vision: To be one of the nation's most innovative and proactive state behavioral health authorities for Tennesseans dealing with mental health and substance abuse problems. For more information, visit: http://tn.gov/behavioral-health/.