With less than a week until her formal swearing-in, Governor-Elect Katie Hobbs has named several cabinet members to her Health and Human Services Team.
These individuals, all dedicated and experienced public servants, and policy technocrats will help the Governor-Elect govern immediately after her term starts next week.
According to a press release from the Governor-Elect’s Acting Press Secretary Josselyn Berry:
“Governor-Elect Katie Hobbs is making her first round of announcements of several members of her cabinet. With a proven track record of success and years of expertise, these are the dedicated professionals who will run Arizona’s health and human services state agencies and help build an Arizona for everyone. Governor-Elect Katie Hobbs will announce additional cabinet members in the coming days.”
The appointees cited in the press release are:
“Carmen Heredia – AZ Health Care Cost Containment System (AHCCCS) Carmen Heredia currently serves as the CEO of Valle del Sol, a community health center and behavioral health provider organization. She has served as a member of numerous healthcare and community boards advocating for access to quality care and education for vulnerable and underserved populations. A graduate from Arizona State University with a Master of Social Work and a certificate in finance from Stanford University, Carmen lives in Mesa with her husband and three children.”
“Angie Rodgers – Department of Economic Security (DES) For the past ten years, Angie Rodgers has been the President and CEO of the Arizona Food Bank Network (AzFBN). Rodgers brings more than 25 years of experience in public policy research and advocacy focusing on human services. Prior to joining AzFBN, Rodgers served in various capacities for the Arizona Department of Economic Security (DES), improving child and family welfare services through advocacy and policy initiatives, community-based partnerships, interagency coordination, allocation of federal resources, and grant administration. Rodgers was also Governor Janet Napolitano’s Human Services Policy Advisor, where she was instrumental in the development of high-level child and family welfare services policy and budget negotiation for nearly $750 million in state resources, as well as directing the state task force on the Earned Income Tax Credit. She earned her Master’s Degree in Social Work at Arizona State University and Bachelors’ Degrees in Criminology and Sociology from the University of Kansas. Angie has four amazing children and two sweet dogs.”
“Matthew Stewart – Department of Child Safety (DCS) Matthew Stewart is an Arizona native, beginning his career in public service as a child safety specialist. Stewart worked his way up in the Department and was entrusted with statewide management responsibilities for years. He has consulted extensively both locally and nationally to guide important changes in child welfare. Stewart is dedicated to leading a return to a culture of working together to help children, youth, and families in need.”
“Dr. Theresa Cullen – Department of Health Services (DHS) Dr. Theresa Cullen MD, MS is a healthcare leader committed to driving community-based change to improve health. She joins from her current role as Director of the Pima County Public Health Department. She previously served as CIO for the Indian Health Service, CMIO for the Veterans Health Administration, Associate Director of Global Health Informatics at Regenstrief, and is a retired Rear Admiral, US Public Health Service, Assistant Surgeon General. Dr. Cullen is a proud Arizonan and a University of Arizona graduate.”
“Joan Serviss – Department of Housing (DOH) Joan Serviss is the Director of the Arizona Housing Coalition, an association working to end homelessness by advocating for affordable homes. Joan has over twenty years of experience in coalition building, state and federal policy work, and community organizing. She has a Master’s Degree in Public Administration from Arizona State University. Joan was recognized as Arizona Capitol Times 2020 Leaders of the Year and recently elected as Arizona Capitol Times’ Power 12 Leaders in housing.”
Commenting on these appointments, Governor-Elect Hobbs offered:
“These are some of the best minds Arizona has to offer, and I am proud that they have chosen to serve the people of Arizona by my side. As a social worker, I know firsthand the importance of these crucial agencies to the lives of the people who need them. I am confident that this group of talented individuals has what it takes to transform our state’s health, social, and safety systems so that they work for everyone across Arizona.”
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Excellent choice with Dr. Theresa Cullen from Pima County Health to head up the AZ Health Services. She did a terrific job during the pandemic, following Dr. Bob England, who was a bit clueless about the implications of the Covid-19 coming to Tucson. I attended a panel discussion at UA in Feb. 2020 and he was on it, and didn’t seem to know what a “pandemic” was. Cullen took over in June 2020 fortunately. I’ve met her personally as she’s a friend of a nurse neighbor here in Tucson. Theresa was a competent, steady leader during the entire pandemic, appearing on several news media outlets to keep the community informed and safe.