Women’s Group Gets New Director

The Van Nuys-based California Women’s Commission on Alcohol and Drug Dependencies has a new executive director.

Deborah Werner, currently with Social Model Recovery Systems Inc. in Los Angeles, will take over at the women’s commission, replacing current executive director Laurie Drabble, commission officials said.

“Laurie is going on to do more consulting work,” said Karen Kent, program director at the commission.

The commission develops treatment, prevention and training programs to assist women, families and communities affected by alcohol abuse and drug dependency.

Werner has been involved with the commission as a member of the board of directors for the past five years. She has a master’s degree in urban planning from UCLA.

The commission will hold an open house at 1:30 p.m. Jan. 22 to honor Drabble and welcome Werner.

For more information, call the commission at (818) 376-0470.