OKDHS To Select New Interim Director Tomorrow

The Oklahoma Commission for Human Services has called a special meeting tomorrow, Wednesday, March 21 at 1PM to discuss and potentially hire a new interim director. 

Current Interim Director Terri White was selected by the OKDHS Commission on February 3, at a special meeting of the Commission. White began her official duties at OKDHS on March 1, after former Director Howard Hendrick retired. 

Since March 1, White has served as Interim Director of OKDHS and continued as the head of the Oklahoma Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services. 

Brad Yarbrough, Chairman of the Commission, issued the following statement in response to several medial inquiries about the surprise agenda. 

“Tomorrow the OKDHS Commission will meet about the position of interim director. Terri White, selected by the Commission in February as the temporary Director, has been doing an outstanding job. Any action that may be taken would contemplate the ongoing involvement of Ms. White, who serves as Commissioner of Oklahoma's Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services agency. There will be no action taken in this meeting in terms of appointing a permanent director. The Commission continues its nationwide search for a permanent director of the agency. Applications for the agency's top job must be sent by March 26 after which they will be reviewed and the Commission will begin its interview process.” 

AGENDA
SPECIAL MEETING OF THE OKLAHOMA COMMISSION FOR HUMAN SERVICES
March 21, 2012
1 p.m. – Room C-48 – Sequoyah State Office Building
Oklahoma City, Oklahoma

1. Call to Order - Chairman Brad Yarbrough
2. Discussion and Possible Vote by Commission to enter into Executive Session to discuss the hiring of an  Interim Director for the Department of Human Services, pursuant to 25 O.S.2011, § 307(B)(1).
3. Vote to return to Regular Session.
4. Discussion and possible vote to hire Interim Director for the Department of Human Services.
5. Vote to adjourn.