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John Selig to Step Down from DHS at Year’s End

2 min read

Arkansas Department of Human Services Director John Selig told employees Thursday that he plans to leave the post at the end of the year.

“I have loved working at DHS because I truly feel it makes a real and positive difference in the lives of so many Arkansans,” Selig said in a DHS news release. “It’s hard to leave, but I feel like the time is right. DHS may see some big changes next year, and I think that would be a good time for new leadership.”

Selig, 55, began serving as director in 2005 under Gov. Mike Huckabee. DHS said Selig is the longest serving director at DHS. He has worked for Arkansas state government for 27 years.

DHS has been in spotlight throughout the year. A report by the Arkansas Times on the “re-homing” of a legislator’s adopted children prompted new laws banning the practice in Arkansas and a review of the agency’s Division of Children & Family Services.

The agency is also leading an effort to verify the eligibility of Arkansans receiving health insurance coverage under the private option and Medicaid. At times, the agency has struggled to handle the workload.

And the agency has been criticized by lawmakers for its handling of certain technology contracts.

DHS oversees the “private option,” the state’s plan to cover low-income Arkansans using federal money available under the Affordable Care Act. A task force assembled by Gov. Asa Hutchinson is examining ways to change the private option. The task force heard recommendations from a consulting group on Wednesday.

In a statement, the governor said he asked Selig to stay on through the end of the year.

“John has given so much to the state of Arkansas through 25 years of service,” Hutchinson said. “I am personally appreciative of his leadership, friendship and wise counsel during a time of great change in the health care industry and during the first year of my administration.”

Selig’s previous positions include serving as the state’s director of Behavioral Health Services and director of In-Home Health Services at the Arkansas Department of Health. 

Before joining state government, Selig was on the staff of U.S. Sen. David Pryor. He also served two years in the Peace Corps as a teacher in West Africa.

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