OKLAHOMA CAPITOL -- The Commission for Human Services met for its monthly meeting Tuesday, April 24, 2012 in Oklahoma City. Commissioners present were Wes Lane, Jay Dee Chase, Aneta Wilkinson, Richard DeVaughn, Brad Yarbrough, Mike Peck, Linda English-Weeks and Anne Roberts.
Preston Doerflinger presented the Commission with his first report as Interim Director. Doerflinger addressed several key issues, including an overview of the new Pinnacle Plan. He discussed information technology consolidation, preparations for the upcoming budget, and the search for a new Director.
Doerflinger also showed Commissioners and the audience a new 30-second public service announcement featuring Governor Mary Fallin. It will begin airing May 1, and Governor Fallin urges Oklahomans to become foster or adoptive parents. It was produced by the OKDHS Office of Communications.
Commission Chairman Brad Yarbrough joined Doerflinger to present two “Spirit of Service” awards to Design Services Division employees, photographers Caroline Miller and Kyle Chaufty. Commissioner Aneta Wilkinson said: “You go above and beyond what your job description says and you do it with enthusiasm and heart, and that is what makes this agency so special.”
Yarbrough and Doerflinger also presented a Certificate of Commendation to Marq Youngblood who is retiring after 32 years of service. Youngblood has served as Chief Operating Officer since 2007, and will retire June 1.
In other news, Finance Director Phil Motley said SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, formerly “Food Stamps,”) participation continued a recent trend and declined again in March. A reduction of 1,668 cases was noted from February to March. The number of all Oklahoma children being fed through SNAP remains at 30 percent.
Commissioners discussed the search for a new Director, saying they had received more than 55 applications, and have interviewed three candidates. They also issued a Request for Proposal for an executive search firm to generate additional candidates.
The Commission set the date of their next meeting for Tuesday, May 22.
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