Following the sudden departure of director Rachelle Carnesale, Georgia Department of Human Services (DHS) Commissioner Clyde Reese has named new interim leadership at the Division of Family and Children Services (DFCS). Deputy Director Ron Scroggy will serve as Acting Director of DFCS. His new Acting Deputy Director will be Katherine Herren.
In a statement Tuesday afternoon, Reese stressed the safety of the children involved with Georgia’s welfare agency was the top priority.
“During this period of transition, it was important to appoint individuals that were experienced with Georgia’s social services field,” said Reese. “These two individuals will ensure that the safety of Georgia’s children remains our number one priority.”
Scroggy, who has three decades of experience managing residential treatment facilities, joined DFCS as chief of staff in 2010. He was named deputy director in July 2011.
Herren has been with DFCS for 31 years and held a variety of positions with DFCS including as a field caseworker.
Both Scroggy and Herren will remain in their new roles until Reese names a permanent replacement. An earlier statement by agency spokesperson Ravae Graham said the search for a new director will begin in the coming months.