Mr. Mactas began his career working with heroin addicts on the lower east side of New York City.
Still in his 20’s, he was appointed Assistant Commissioner of New York City’s Addiction Services
Agency, where he served as Director of Operations until accepting the position of CEO of Marathon,
Inc., then the largest substance abuse treatment agency in New England.
Over his 19 years at Marathon, Mr. Mactas was the principal "architect" of its growth and emergence
as one of the premier addiction treatment organizations in the country. He served on numerous
boards and commissions during his tenure including the Providence Human Relations Commission, where
he was elected Chairman.
His hard work, experience and leadership were rewarded when he was appointed the first permanent
director of the Center for Substance Abuse Treatment in Washington, DC where he served from
1994-1998. Soon after assuming that position, the largest of the Marathon facilities was named in
his honor.
Mr. Mactas recalls having met Father Norman O’Connor in Washington.
"I had not heard of Straight & Narrow until Father’s visit," Mr. Mactas recalls, "but his
capacity to engage, coupled with his passion for the organization, made that encounter memorable."
It was through his consultation to the New Jersey Division of Addiction Services that Mr. Mactas
would become reacquainted with S&N, its staff, and its programs. In August, 2005, Mr. Mactas was
offered the position of Executive Director. "I was, and remain excited to help lead one of the
finest agencies I have encountered over a long career. Straight & Narrow’s history and breadth
of services are without peer," he shared.
