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OKLAHOMA CAPITOL -- Linda Hughes, a 28-year veteran of the Oklahoma Department of Human Services, has been selected as Programs Manager for the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) program. In her new duties, Hughes will oversee TANF policy and contracts, as well as preparing for pending congressional reauthorization of the program.
"I am very pleased Linda agreed to take on this new challenge," said Mary Stalnaker, director, OKDHS Family Support Services Division. "Her experiences in supervising both the Food Stamp and Overpayment programs have prepared her to manage the many faces of TANF. She has a passion for helping our clients and will be an asset to the agency in leading us into the next round of TANF changes."
Hughes began her career with OKDHS as a typing clerk in Oklahoma County before becoming a social worker. She later served as a staff assistant in the Family Support Division at the OKDHS state office. Hughes went on to serve as the programs supervisor for the Overpayments section and later the Food Stamp program.
"With the increasing unemployment rates and the number of under-employed Oklahomans, coupled with the current state budget shortfalls, we will be called upon to serve a growing number of people needing benefits and services while operating under tight budget constraints," said Hughes. "It is a challenge I’m confident we will be able to meet and I will personally work to help find ways to be innovative and efficient in serving all eligible Oklahomans."
A graduate of Carl Albert High School in Midwest City, Hughes holds a bachelor’s in Business from the University of Central Oklahoma, Edmond.
Hughes’ husband of 27 years, Roy, is retired from a career with the Oklahoma Health Care Authority. They have two children, Bryan, 23, a student at Rose State College, Midwest City and Lacee, 14, a student at Carl Albert Jr. High.
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