FRANKFORT, Ky. — The Cabinet for Health and Family Services announced Monday the following changes regarding key leadership positions in various departments.
Christina (Mora) Dettman will join CHFS as the executive director of public affairs, and will be the point-of-contact for all media inquiries. Dettman holds a bachelor of science in telecommunication from the University of Florida, and has 12 years of experience in reporting, investigative research and anchoring prime time news. Most recently, she worked for WLKY-TV in Louisville reporting on Kentucky’s child welfare system. Dettman and her husband also are foster and adoptive parents.
Jordan Rowe is joining as the director of strategic communications, a position previously focused on Kentucky Health that now will be expanded to provide focused policy content on current CHFS programs and initiatives to legislators, media, community partners and the general public. A graduate of Georgetown College with a bachelor of arts in communication and media studies, Rowe has experience as a news anchor and reporter, news director and digital content producer. He comes to CHFS from a position as news anchor and reporter for WIKY-FM (Midwest Communications) in Evansville, Ind.
“I am excited about the willingness of these talented individuals to join this extraordinary team,” said CHFS Secretary Adam Meier. “In addition to bringing new expertise and energy to the agency, these new team members are also adding unique perspectives from other industries and states.”
Doug Hogan has been named director of employee engagement and internal communications, and will lead efforts to recognize employee achievements, facilitate effective internal communications, and lead initiatives that foster employee wellness and engagement. He is an award-winning television news manager and government communicator, honored with numerous state and regional awards.
“Doug’s unique combination of long-time government service and extensive knowledge of our cabinet and the people who get the work done puts him in a position to highlight their great work,” said Meier. “We look forward to benefiting from his continued leadership in this new role.”
All Public Affairs appointments are effective as of June 3. These follow several key appointments made since December 2018, which has broadened CHFS’ ability to innovate and implement new directions in legislative relations, health policy, child welfare and operations. These include:
Jim Musser as director of the Office of Legislative and Regulatory Affairs. He served as senior adviser to the U.S. Secretary of Labor, was in leadership positions from 2008–15 at Mercatus Center, George Mason University, and has extensive experience in government relations, advocacy and public speaking. Musser holds a J.D. from the University of Kentucky, and a BA in International Relations from Marshall University.
David Wu as director of process improvement and business innovation. Wu will focus identifying ways to streamline operations and improve timeliness of processes across all CHFS agencies and departments. He most recently served as chief operating officer and director of government transformation for Illinois Gov. Bruce Rauner, and holds both a BA and MS in economics, as well as a MPA from Harvard University.
Recent key program staff additions include:
· Dr. Judy Theriot, Medical Director, Department for Medicaid Services
· Genevieve Brown, Chief of Staff, Department for Medicaid Services
· Jessica Brown, Executive Advisor for Family First Prevention Services Act, Department for Community Based Services
· Pamela S. Wright, Executive Advisor, Office of Health Policy and Data Analytics
· Robin O’Neil, Special Assistant, Office of Legal Services
“These appointments will continue to drive positive change in how we communicate with and serve the citizens of Kentucky,” Meier said. “Kentucky continues to be recognized for its innovation in health and human services policy. As a result, we are fortunate to have many qualified professionals willing to join our team to serve in key leadership roles.”
Additionally, Kathleen Hines has been appointed as executive advisor within the Office of Health Data and Analytics to serve as privacy officer for the Cabinet.
Within the Department for Public Health, Kelly Alexander has been appointed executive advisor to serve as a liaison with stakeholders and the public health community.
Devon McFadden has been appointed director of the division of prevention and quality improvement.
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