Episode 402

“I love fighting for people..I love seeing people get better”

Rob Kent has spent most of his legal career in the public sector always with a focus on supporting underserved populations. For many years, Rob served as the General Counsel for the New York State Office of Addiction Services and Supports (OASAS) where he developed a reputation as one of the leading advocates for individuals and family impacted by Substance Use Disorder.
In 2020, Rob was appointed by President Biden into his present position within the Office of National Drug Control Policy where he provides overall legal support to the entire office.
In this episode of The Helping Conversation, Rob, a recipient of numerous community awards, discusses how throughout his career he has challenged the status quo and brought about legislative and systems change as well as specific Drug Policy Reform. Rob emphasizes how he balances “radical listening,” always wanting to be open to the opinions of others with a strong sense of advocating for those in need. Rob highlights how he creates trusting relationships and the power of the practice of empathy.
For more on the work of Rob Kent and the Office of Drug Policy: https://www.whitehouse.gov/ondcp/