Deputy National Coordinator
ORS
Christopher Jakim currently serves as the HIDTA Deputy National Coordinator for the Overdose Response Strategy (ORS). This unique program leverages the collaboration between public health and public safety in an effort to reduce drug overdoses by sharing data, intelligence and innovative strategies. In this role, he overseas 61 Drug Intelligence Officers in all 50 states, the US Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico. Chris is responsible for the implementation, development and oversight of policy, budget and programmatic activities as well close coordination with public health partners from the CDC and CDC Foundation.
Prior joining the ORS, Chris had a distinguished career as a Special Agent with the United States Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) for 30 years.
Chris, a native of New Jersey began his law enforcement career with DEA in New York City in 1991. There for 12 years he worked on enforcement teams that targeted major international drug trafficking organizations.
Chris also participated in Operation Snowcap, a cutting edge drug suppression initiative designed to disrupt the growing, processing, and transportation systems supporting the cocaine industry. He deployed to Peru in support of this mission.
In 2003, Chris was transferred to DEA’s Philadelphia Division and promoted to Group Supervisor where he led an enforcement team of Special Agents who investigated violent street gangs and significant drug trafficking organizations. In 2008, Chris transferred to Cartagena, Colombia where for three years he led teams of DEA Special Agents and Colombian drug law enforcement officers as they targeted, investigated, and dismantled some of the most significant drug sources of supply in the world.
In 2011, Chris transferred to DEA Headquarters and was assigned to the Office of Congressional and Public Affairs. There he helped lead DEA’s internal and external worldwide communications operation as well as dealing directly with members of Congress and their staffs on all drug related matters.
Two years later he was transferred from DEA Headquarters back home to New Jersey where he served as the Assistant Special Agent in Charge of DEA’s New Jersey Division and the Commander of the High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area (HIDTA) for New York and New Jersey. In this capacity, Chris oversaw not only the enforcement operations but prevention and outreach efforts as well. Chris retired from the DEA in December of 2021.
Tuesday, April 11, 2023
2:15 PM – 3:00 PM