Health and Family Services chief inducted into UK College of Social Work’s Hall of Fame

FRANKFORT, Ky. (May 30, 2012) – Kentucky Cabinet for Health and Family Services Secretary Audrey Tayse Haynes was nominated and recently selected for induction into the University of Kentucky College of Social Work’s Hall of Fame Award by her peers.

The award is presented annually to individuals who have made exceptional contributions to the field of social work. Haynes was recognized and inducted into the Hall of Fame during a dinner May 18 in Lexington on the UK campus.

“This is a much-deserved honor for Audrey and it shows that the College of Social Work, like my administration, recognizes the service and dedication she brings not only to the area of social work but also to every career opportunity she has had throughout her life,” Gov. Steve Beshear said.

Beshear appointed Haynes Secretary of the Cabinet in March 2012.

Haynes received a master’s degree in social work from UK in 1984. She holds a bachelor’s degree in social work from Spalding University in Louisville.

Haynes said she is proud of her social work background.

“The social workers I’ve known have always proved to be innovative and resourceful – they perform well under pressure,” she said. “I am happy to be among them and honored to be recognized by UK’s College of Social Work.”

Haynes began her career in the Somerset area, working in the community mental health system as an alcohol and drug counselor. She later worked in the Cabinet for Human Resources as the director of human resource development, alongside the commissioner of mental health.  Sec. Haynes was also appointed as executive director of the Kentucky Literacy Commission by Gov. Wallace Wilkinson and to the state school board.

Haynes’ more recent positions include 10 years as the senior vice president and chief government affairs officer of YMCA of the USA, as well as chief of staff to Tipper Gore during Vice President Al Gore’s second term. Haynes also served on President Bill Clinton’s senior staff as a deputy assistant to the President and director of the White House Office for Women’s Initiatives and Outreach.