Director's Message

It is with mixed emotions that I write this message to you.

I have believed for a long time that the work we do at the Department of Human Services is among the most important work you can do in state government. More than 3.5 million people live in this state and DHS touches in some way each and every one of these lives.

Not only do we help people who are sometimes the most forgotten, abandoned, or overlooked in our society, we also help all Oregonians remain healthy and safe in communities throughout the state through our various public health programs.

While I have enjoyed being back here in the department, helping support this good work that you do, it is time for me personally to look ahead to new challenges. I have worked in Oregon state government since 1973 -- here at DHS and with the Oregon Department of Administrative Services, the Oregon Lottery, and the Oregon Department of Consumer and Business Services, among other positions. I am grateful to Governor Kulongoski and others for giving me these leadership opportunities over the years.

Today, it will be announced in Olympia that I have accepted the director position at the Washington State Department of Labor and Industries in Olympia, Washington. This is a natural step for me -- as I have previously worked on labor and industry issues in past positions. I am very excited about the opportunity to be a member of the new cabinet that Governor Christine Gregoire is forming and I'm looking forward to new challenges. While the announcement of my appointment is being made today, I expect to continue my work with DHS until the department's budget is set for the 2005-07 biennium.

During my seven years as DHS director, I have seen so many examples of the positive changes occurring here at the department -- from increased shared services and efficiencies and successful outreach and collaboration with community partners and providers -- to delivering services to our clients in need during a very challenging budget time period, where resources are extremely limited.

I am constantly impressed by your dedication to the mission of this organization -- helping people become independent, healthy, and safe -- and your tenacity in carrying this out during sometimes trying circumstances.

And while change can be unsettling, I know that this agency is in good hands. Today, we have the best group of leaders in the DHS cabinet that I have ever worked with and through their leadership and your personal commitment, DHS will continue to provide critical services and supports to those in need.

And I know one thing I can count on as I transition to my new position to the north -- that all of you will continue to make a difference in the lives of Oregonians every day.

This message is intended for all department employees. Please read it electronically, if possible. Managers and supervisors are asked to share the message each week with employees who do not have email access.

If you have a disability and need this message to be provided to you in another format, please send an email to dhs.forms@state.or.us, or call (503) 947-5107. You can also fax your request to (503) 373-7690, or call (503) 947-5080 for TTY service. If you know of others who need this accommodation, please let them know it is available.