Mrs. Eugenie M. Simmons has been named Chief Executive Officer of the National Drug Commission.

Her appointment was announced yesterday by Drug Commission chairman Mr.

Alastair Macdonald.

And it has been approved by Human Affairs Minister the Hon. Jerome Dill.

A Bermudian, Mrs. Simmons is tagged a community activist, and has made a name for herself through voluntary work at Sandys.

She was the driving force behind setting up Sandys' Against Drugs (SAD).

The group has focused on pulling the parish together to tackle drug abuse.

As chairperson, Mrs. Simmons oversaw the clean-up and revival of the Royal Naval Field.

She also helped launch a job scheme for recovering addicts.

Because of such experience, she was asked by the National Drug Strategy to help set up community action groups throughout the Island.

A pilot project -- which could pave the way for such groups -- is being tested at St. David's.

Mrs. Simmons has been a member of the interim steering committee of the Drug Strategy.

Said Mr. Macdonald yesterday: "Mrs. Simmons' grass roots knowledge of and experience in dealing with the problems and impact of drug abuse in the community, as well as her experience of implementing the community-oriented programmes, will be extremely valuable.

"We see community development as a key preventive strategy in dealing with drug problems in Bermuda.'' Mrs. Simmons has a Masters degree in Special Education from Howard University.

She also graduated from there in May 1979 with a Bachelor of Arts degree, majoring in Sociology with minors in Education and History.

From 1983 to 1985 she was a teacher at Woodlands School, before being promoted to Deputy Principal.

Currently, she works at the Department of Education as a Behavioural/Educational Therapist.

The work involves helping teachers and principals deal with problem youngsters.

Her specialty is handling emotionally disturbed children, and difficult young people.

This had brought her in contact with people with drug problems, said Mr.

Macdonald.

"Her familiarity with the issues of substance abuse treatment will greatly assist the Commission.'' She has also been a part-time teacher at Casemates and Bermuda Union of Teachers official.

Mr. Dill said he was delighted by Mrs. Simmons' appointment.