OKDHS Names Steen New Area II Director

OKLAHOMA CITY -- The Oklahoma Department of Human Services (OKDHS) has named Altus, Okla., resident Rick Steen Area II Director of the Field Operations Division.

Steen is a 30-year veteran of the OKDHS, and began his career in 1981 as a Child Welfare Specialist. He later became a Child Welfare supervisor for Jackson County, and since 2000 has served as County Director for the OKDHS Jackson County Human Services Center. In 2010, he acquired additional responsibilities for Tillman County’s OKDHS office.

“I hope everyone will join me in welcoming Rick to his new leadership role,” said Larry Johnson, Director for the OKDHS Field Operations Division in Oklahoma City. “Rick has proven to be a dedicated public employee for the past 30 years, and I know he will work to uphold the mission of the OKDHS as we serve the citizens of Oklahoma.”

Steen is a graduate of Blair High School and attended Western Oklahoma State College and later Southwestern Oklahoma State University. He graduated with a degree in business administration and finance.

In addition to his work at OKDHS, Steen has held various leadership roles in local community organizations, and served on the Altus City Council. He is past president of the Oklahoma County Administrators Association, and currently serves as its recording secretary. He is also a member of the Altus Military Affairs Committee.

Steen and his wife Carol reside in Altus, Okla., where she is a teacher at Altus High School. They have two daughters: Meagan, who is a student at Western Oklahoma State College in Altus; and Melissa Thacker and her husband Kelly, of Lawton, Okla.

Steen will officially assume his new duties June 20.

(Editors Note:  Photo will be provided upon request)

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