DHS names new deputy director

The Arkansas Department of Human Services has named a new deputy director.

Keesa M. Smith, 32, will oversee five of the agency's 10 divisions -- including Aging and Adult Services, Youth Services, Child Care and Early Childhood Education, Community Service and Nonprofit Support and Services for the Blind.

In 2010, Smith began serving as the state implementation director of the American Recovery & Reinvestment Act.

As director, Smith was responsible for ensuring hundreds of millions of dollars in federal stimulus money were used in accordance with federal guidelines.

She left the governor's office in 2011 to serve as the chairman and agency director of the Arkansas Board of Review.

Smith will start with DHS in mid-to-late September. She replaces Steven B. Jones, who left in July for the private sector.

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