Tracie M. Gardner

Tracie is a nationally recognized leader in public health, policy, and social justice. She currently serves as Executive Director of the National Black Harm Reduction Network, advancing racial equity and evidence-based approaches to health and healing.

For nearly two decades, Tracie served in senior leadership at the Legal Action Center, where she directed advocacy to end discrimination against people affected by substance use disorders, HIV/AIDS, and incarceration.

She also served as Assistant Secretary for Mental Hygiene under Governor Andrew Cuomo, overseeing statewide policy across New York’s behavioral health and developmental disability agencies. A skilled advocate and coalition builder, Tracie is widely respected for shaping progressive policy reform through partnership and vision.