Betty Guhman
The state Department of Human Services announced Tuesday that Betty Guhman, a senior advisor to Gov. Asa Hutchinson since 2014, will serve as interim director of the DHS Division of Youth Services while the agency searches for a permanent director.
Guhman will begin working at the division on Wednesday, according to DHS.
“While she is leaving the governor’s office, I am glad that she will be nearby as she takes the role of interim director of the Department of Youth Services,” Hutchinson said in a news release. “Betty’s years of experience in child welfare and human services will be a perfect fit for DYS during this time of transition as they continue the search for a director.”
The division’s previous director, Marcus Devine, left the job in April.
Guhman began her career as a protective service worker for what is now the DHS Division of Children and Family Services in 1973. In 1977, she was named deputy commissioner of the newly formed Division of Youth Services.
She’s also worked as a tenured professor at the University of Arkansas’ Department of Sociology, Criminal Justice and Social Work and director of the Fullbright School of Public Affairs. She was Hutchinson’s chief of staff when he was a congressman and undersecretary of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security.
“Under the new leadership of [new DHS Director] Cindy Gillespie, this is a time to take hard looks at all DHS programs, policies and services, and considering ways to promote innovations and enhance partnerships,” Guhman said in a news release. “I look forward to working with DYS staff, service providers, advocates, legislators and the governor’s office as we strengthen the services provided to DYS children and their families.”
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