Botticelli deputy director of drug policy

WASHINGTON, Nov. 27 (UPI) -- Michael Botticelli has been sworn in as deputy director of the Office of National Drug Control Policy, Director R. Gil Kerlikowske announced.

Botticelli is a former director of Massachusetts' Substance Abuse Services Bureau and in long-term recovery from addiction himself, with more than 24 years of sobriety, a statement from Kerlikowske's office said.

"Michael brings a wealth of experience and expertise in the field of substance abuse. We couldn't be more pleased to bring him on board," Kerlikowske said.

Botticelli was nominated in January by President Obama.