James Vara, the governor’s special drug adviser and a former senior assistant attorney general, talks about the state's opioid crisis in Concord, N.H., on Tuesday, May 31, 2016. Vara, who prosecuted drug dealer Michael Millette, rejects suggestions this is a politically motivated plan without merit. "Say that to a family who lost their child, their son, their brother, their daughter," he says. "Say that to Ed Martin’s two children who are without their father as a result of this." (AP Photo/Jim Cole)
James Vara, the governor’s special drug adviser and a former senior assistant attorney general, talks about the state's opioid crisis in Concord, N.H., on Tuesday, May 31, 2016. Vara, who prosecuted drug dealer Michael Millette, rejects suggestions this is a politically motivated plan without merit. "Say that to a family who lost their child, their son, their brother, their daughter," he says. "Say that to Ed Martin’s two children who are without their father as a result of this." (AP Photo/Jim Cole)

Acting Portsmouth police Chief David Mara will soon be changing jobs and taking on the role of the Governor’s Advisor on Addiction and Behavioral Health.

That role, also known as the “drug czar,” is currently occupied by James Vara, who is moving back over to the state attorney general’s office, where he will serve as chief of staff to Attorney General Gordon MacDonald.

“James Vara has been an invaluable asset in New Hampshire’s continued efforts to address the substance misuse and mental health crises in our state and I am grateful for his friendship as well as his outstanding service as a member of my staff,” Gov. Chris Sununu said in a statement.

Sununu also praised Mara, who he said has “served with distinction on the front lines of law enforcement” and knows the impact of the drug crisis. Mara previously served as Manchester police chief.

Vara’s appointment to the state attorney general’s office must first be reviewed and approved by the New Hampshire Executive Council, and is scheduled to be addressed at its June 7 meeting.