Oklahoma Capitol -- Jeri Poplin, a 17-year veteran of the Oklahoma Department of Human Services, has been named Director of the new OKDHS Oklahoma County office, located at 5905 N. Classen, Oklahoma City.

In an effort to better provide services for citizens in urban areas, OKDHS has initiated a long-term plan to create new offices in Oklahoma County that combine both child welfare and family support services. The child welfare services for Oklahoma County will be split between 55-D and the new 55-F office.

"We need a person with experience and leadership to fill this key position during this time," said OKDHS Area III Director Debbie Sexton. "Jeri Poplin is more than qualified to help guide Oklahoma County through this time of transition."

Poplin began her career with OKDHS as a social worker at the agencies state office. She later served as a Child Welfare Intake Worker in both Oklahoma and Tulsa counties. While working in Tulsa she became a Child Welfare Supervisor before moving back to Oklahoma County to serve as a Senior Social Services Supervisor.

"I’m proud of my career in public service," said Poplin. "I feel strongly that if I can make a difference in the life of even one child and protect them from harm that my entire career will be worthwhile."

Poplin graduated from Claremore High School and earned her Bachelor’s degree in Family Relations and Child Development from Oklahoma State University. She is currently working on a Master’s in Social Work at the University of Oklahoma. Poplin serves on the faculty of the National Child Advocacy Center in Alabama and has trained extensively in forensic interviewing and multi-disciplinary investigations of child sexual abuse.

Poplin’s husband, Greg, works in the oil industry and they have a daughter, Mallory, 14. Her mother, Phyllis Clark, is a retired OKDHS employee who worked in the Rogers County office for 27 years.

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