Julie Dostal

Julie Dostal, Ph.D. is the Executive Director of the LEAF Council on Alcoholism and Addictions, and has been with the organization since 1998. Dr. Dostal is also the Chair of the Otsego County Opiate Task Force, actively working with agencies, businesses, healthcare organizations and individuals to help stem the tide of the current opioid epidemic.

Dr. Dostal is a trusted leader and recognized authority on topics ranging from substance abuse prevention, addiction science, community coalition building to advocacy, media literacy and problem gambling.

Outside her daily responsibilities, Dr. Dostal works tirelessly to enlighten and educate others about the complex nature of addiction. She teaches an upper level course on addiction at SUNY Oneonta in the Department of Human Ecology, and is a New York State Master Trainer. Dr. Dostal is a sought-after speaker who frequently shares her knowledge and expertise at local, state, national and international events.

Dr. Dostal has earned recognition and respect on the national stage. She serves as President of the Professional Association of Council Executives, and is on the Board of Directors of the National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependencies (NCADD). As a woman in long-term recovery, she is especially proud of her work with NCADD, and is able to shed a light on this epidemic with knowledge from first-hand experience, sharing the story of her bravery and strength with the world.

Dr. Dostal’s compassion for others, undying energy, and dynamic personality are instantly evident, no matter the challenge. At the heart of her work is the encouraging message, “Addiction is a preventable, treatable disease from which people can and do recover.”