OKLAHOMA CITY -- Amy Whitson, a 20-year veteran of the Oklahoma Department of Human Services, has been named Area Director over the northwest part of the state.

In her new position as Area I Director, Whitson will oversee the daily operations of OKDHS offices in 22 counties, including: Cimarron, Texas, Beaver, Harper, Woods, Alfalfa, Grant, Kay, Ellis, Woodward, Major, Garfield, Noble, Pawnee, Roger Mills, Dewey, Blaine, Kingfisher, Logan, Payne, Beckham and Custer.

“I’m very glad to have Amy in this position,” said Larry Johnson, OKDHS Field Operations Division director. “She brings a wealth of experience in leadership to Area I and will be a valuable addition to the management of field operation for this agency.”

Whitson began her career with OKDHS in 1990 as a child welfare specialist. She later moved to the Family Support Services Division as a social services specialist and later served as a supervisor in both Family Support and in Adult Protective Services.

Whitson began working for Area I Field Operations as a Family Support field liaison in March 2000. She was promoted to assistant Area I director in March 2002, where she has served ever since.

Whitson received her bachelor's degree from Southwestern Oklahoma State University in 1990.

She and her husband, Melvin, have two sons, Blane, 15, and Jay, 12. They reside in Weatherford.

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