Peggy Butcher Named Family Support Programs Administrator 

OKLAHOMA CAPITOL -- Peggy Butcher, a 28-year veteran of the Oklahoma Department of Human Services (OKDHS), was named Programs Administrator for the agency’s Family Support Services Division.
In her new position, Butcher will oversee the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) program as well as employee training and policy for the Family Support Services Division.

"Peggy has years of experience and historical knowledge of OKDHS programs," said Mary Stalnaker, director, OKDHS Family Support Services Division. "She has been the state TANF director for three years. Under her leadership, OKDHS developed several TANF-funded initiatives which focus on strengthening all families, but especially those families who are providing care and support for children and relatives."

Butcher began her career with OKDHS as a social worker in Oklahoma County. She later served as a Social Worker Supervisor before leaving the agency to spend time with her family and newborn son. She returned to OKDHS five years later and began again as a social worker before coming to the state office where she served as the Child Support Liaison for the Family Support Division. She later went on to manage TANF and the Refugee program.

"When I began my employment with what was then known as the Department of Public Welfare, I never dreamed I’d be here nearly three decades later as an administrator," said Butcher. "Of all the knowledge and experience I’ve gained over the years, the most significant thing I’ve learned is how important it is for all segments of the agency to work together for the common goal of providing comprehensive services for those families in need. I will work to continue to strengthen this cooperation through both policy and training."

Butcher graduated from Lyons Township High School in LaGrange, Ill., and earned a bachelor’s in History from the University of Oklahoma.

Butcher’s husband of 31 years, Bob, works in metal sales and distribution. Their son, Scott, 28, lives in Austin where he works in real estate. Her daughter, Leslie, 38, works for an optometrist and lives in Oklahoma City with her daughter, Arah, 14.

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