Taylor Sterling
Darcy Miller, LCSW-R, was appointed Director of the Department of Mental Health in October 2016 in addition to serving as Director of the Orange County Department of Social Services. Darcy served as Deputy Director for seven years and was part of the County’s Mental Health team for over a decade. As Director, Miller oversaw the planning, development and coordination of Orange County’s broad range of social service programs under the Departments of Human Services, Economic Independence, Mental Health, Developmental Disabilities and Substance Abuse. Approximately 10,000 Orange County residents with mental illness, developmental disabilities and substance abuse issues receive services from the Department of Mental Health every day. Director Miller’s passion to infuse the system of care with trauma-informed, culturally competent and recovery-oriented values, practices and management is reflected in all the people she has hired and in her tireless efforts every day. Her staff reflected all of Darcy’s values and tireless efforts to improve the system for residents every day that she has accomplished over her years leading both departments. Never one to shy away from a challenge or opportunity, Commissioner Miller has held administrative responsibilities to help lead and facilitate the development of WELCOME Orange, the Orange County Court Connection Project. She has also served as the lead investigator for the Child Mental Health Initiative System of Care, the Mental Health Juvenile Justice Project, and advocate for Crisis Intervention Training for Law Enforcement and Criminal Justice, and participated in the introduction of evidence-based initiatives to Orange County. Darcy has served on many local and statewide committees. She was a member of a multidisciplinary county team focused on the needs of the youth in the community, as well as serving on the SUNY Orange Advisory Board, Medical Reserve Corps, and the Cultural Equity Task Force. As if she didn’t do anything, Darcy also partnered successfully in writing grant applications and played a key role in securing federal, state, and private funding throughout her career. Commissioner Miller was a member of “Team Orange” in Orange County Government, earning Lean Six Sigma Green Belt certification for implementing efficient, cost-effective, and exemplary government operations. Darcy earned her Master’s and Bachelor of Science degrees in Social Work from the State University of New York at Buffalo. Prior to arriving in Orange County in 2001, Darcy worked as a staff social worker and rape crisis coordinator in Niagara County, New York. In addition to juggling the two very demanding roles of Commissioner, Darcy and her husband, James Ferraro, have his son Matthew, and daughter Angelina and son Anthony. Orange County Mayor Steve Newhouse attended Darcy’s retirement party, and after Darcy spoke about her life with the government, her great staff, and all she has done, Newhouse said, “Darcy is irreplaceable.” An understatement, however. Newly appointed Social Services and Mental Health Commissioner Lacey Trimble worked with Darcy for 15 years, and Commissioner Miller and Mayor Newhouse agreed that Lacey’s transition would be easy. I’ve had conversations with Darcy about what’s next, and to be honest, she’s not sure and just needed a break to process it all. Darcy, we wish you a life filled with the love and passion you have so generously given to so many. What a wonderful legacy.
