OKDHS Director Howard Hendrick Receives National Honor

OKLAHOMA CAPITOL – Oklahoma Department of Human Services (OKDHS) Director Howard Hendrick was honored with a national award recently by the American Public Human Services Association (APHSA). The group presented Hendrick the distinguished “Appreciation of Service” award at their Spring Policy Forum in Washington, D.C. Hendrick is the longest-serving state human services CEO in the country.
“Howard is truly a leader in the Human Services field and his contributions to APHSA have been invaluable,” said Tracy L. Wareing, APHSA Executive Director.  “As President, he led our association through a critical period of transition, and as a long-time member, he continues to provide us with direction and expert counsel.”

Hendrick served as president of the APHSA Board of Directors from January 2009, until December 2010.  Hendrick continues to be an active member of APHSA -- most recently speaking at the group’s Spring Policy Forum on a panel that provided advice to the many newly-appointed state directors from around the country in human services, health and child services.

Hendrick has been the director of the Oklahoma Department of Human Services since July 1998. With offices in all 77 counties, Hendrick leads a staff of nearly 7,500 employees and administers a $2.2 billion budget. He has served as cabinet secretary for health and human services for former Republican Governor Frank Keating and cabinet secretary for human services under former Democratic Gov. Brad Henry. He served 12 years as a member of the Oklahoma State Senate, including two years as Republican Floor Leader. Hendrick has also served on several national committees for legislative and human services organizations, primarily sharing state solutions to America’s health care and welfare problems.

The APHSA is a bi-partisan, non-profit group representing appointed state health and human service agency commissioners from all 50 states and the District of Columbia. APHSA’s mission is to pursue excellence in health and human services by supporting state and local agencies, informing policy makers and working with other partners to drive innovative, integrated and efficient solutions in policy and practice.

See Director Howard Hendrick’s bio.

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