Arkansas Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders appoints new head for Department of Human Services
LITTLE ROCK, Ark. – An announcement from Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders on Wednesday afternoon marked a change in leadership at the Arkansas Department of Human Services (DHS).
The governor announced that Deputy Secretary Janet Mann will serve as the next DHS Secretary. Current DHS Secretary Kristi Putnam is returning to Kentucky and will depart her role on July 25, having served for two and a half years.
Arkansas expands Child Care Assistance Program, adds two additional groups
Sanders said Putnam had overhauled programs during her time as DHS head, including foster care, Medicaid, maternal health and food stamps, and that the state was fortunate to have Mann stepping into that role.
'My administration was extraordinarily lucky to have someone with her [Putnam's] skillset and leadership in charge of one of the most critical agencies in state government,' the governor said. 'I am grateful that we have someone as qualified as Janet to take over for Kristi and seamlessly continue to make positive changes at DHS.'
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Sanders complimented Mann for her encyclopedic knowledge of DHS and her leadership skills.
'I am honored by Gov. Sanders' decision to select me for this role and am excited to continue the great work Kristi and I have been able to accomplish in this administration,' Mann said. 'We have made enormous progress in providing support to Arkansans who need it and also in working with other agencies for all Arkansans who want a path to economic independence.'
Arkansas DHS changing Medicaid dental from managed care to fee-for-service
Mann currently serves as the Deputy Secretary of Programs and State Medicaid Director for the DHS. The Program includes Medicaid, aging, substance abuse & mental health, developmental disabilities, provider services & quality assurance, eligibility, child welfare and youth services.
The programs serve approximately one in three Arkansans annually, with a total budget of an estimated $11 billion.
Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
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