Little Rock, Arkansas – The Arkansas Department of Human Services (DHS), in a significant move to improve its service delivery, has announced a major reshuffle in its executive leadership team, aiming to streamline its operations and increase efficiency across its various divisions.
Janet Mann, formerly the Deputy Secretary for Health, has been appointed as the Deputy Secretary for Programs, a role that will see her overseeing a broader range of services including the Division of Children and Family Services and the Division of Youth Services. Mann, who also continues as the State Medicaid Director, is expected to bring her extensive experience in Medicaid services and operations to forge a more integrated approach in program delivery.
In a similar vein, Misty Eubanks, a veteran at DHS with over 17 years of experience, steps up as the Deputy Secretary for Operations and Budget. Eubanks, whose journey at DHS has spanned roles from Staff Attorney to Chief Financial Officer, is tasked with overseeing the agency’s finance, budget, and various operational offices. Her multifaceted experience in financial and legal aspects of DHS operations positions her to streamline the fiscal management of the department effectively.
Melissa Weatherton, who has led the Division of Developmental Disabilities Services for eight years, takes on the new role of Director of Specialty Medicaid Services. Weatherton’s appointment is pivotal in focusing on specialty Medicaid services, particularly in the realms of aging, adult, and behavioral health services, and substance abuse and mental health. Her tenure at DHS, coupled with her experience in child welfare and youth services, underscores her deep understanding of Medicaid and a compassionate approach to beneficiary services.
This leadership overhaul is part of DHS’s strategic effort to improve its delivery of services to beneficiaries by fostering greater collaboration and efficiency across its divisions. The changes are expected to enhance the department’s focus on preventive and intervention services, aiming to improve outcomes for beneficiaries and reduce the need for more costly health treatments and placements.
DHS Secretary Kristi Putnam underlined the significance of the restructuring, emphasizing the need for a more cohesive approach in service delivery. “The children and families we serve don’t come to us in pieces, but sometimes we deliver our services as if they do,” Putnam said. “By aligning all programs under one Deputy Secretary, we will be better positioned to work together to provide wraparound assistance that may span multiple divisions and offices.”
The reshuffle is a clear signal of DHS’s commitment to enhancing its service quality, focusing on a unified approach to meet the diverse needs of Arkansas residents. With these leadership changes, DHS aims to bolster its operations, ensuring that the health and well-being of all Arkansans, especially the most vulnerable, are effectively addressed. Further appointments, including an interim Chief Financial Officer and an interim Director for the Division of Developmental Disabilities Services, are expected to be announced shortly, completing this phase of DHS’s strategic reorganization.
