A Colorado social services director with an extensive child welfare background and a reputation for innovative programs has been named the new director of the Arizona Department of Economic Security.
David Berns begins work Aug. 1, taking over a mammoth agency that provides services for the state’s abused and neglected children, the poor, disabled, elderly and unemployed. Berns, 56, will be paid $130,000 annually.
The director of the Department of Human Services in El Paso County, which includes Colorado Springs, comes to Arizona at a turbulent time. Three recent child deaths have rocked state Child Protective Services, two supervisors are on paid leave, case manager turnover is high and morale is low.
Also Monday, Gov. Janet Napolitano announced the appointment of Anthony Rodgers as director of the Arizona Health Care Cost Containment System. Rodgers, who directed managed care programs for Los Angeles and Maricopa County, begins work Aug. 4. He will be paid $135,000 a year.
