Human Services Director Selig leaving at end of year

Gov. Asa Hutchinson and Department of Human Services Director John Selig discuss the resumption of Medicaid cancellation notices at the state Capitol in this August, 18 2015 photo.
Gov. Asa Hutchinson and Department of Human Services Director John Selig discuss the resumption of Medicaid cancellation notices at the state Capitol in this August, 18 2015 photo.

The director of the Arkansas Department of Human Services will step down at the end of the year, the agency announced Thursday.

John Selig, 55, told employees Thursday of his intention to leave the post to which he was appointed in 2005 under Gov. Mike Huckabee.

He is the longest-serving director of the department and worked there for most of his 27 years in state government.

“It’s hard to leave, but I feel like the time is right," Selig said in a statement. "DHS may see some big changes next year, and I think that would be a good time for new leadership.”

After the announcement, Gov. Asa Hutchinson issued a statement that read in part: “John has given so much to the state of Arkansas through 25 years of service. I am personally appreciative of his leadership, friendship and wise counsel during a time of great change in the healthcare industry and during the first year of my administration."

See Friday's Arkansas Democrat-Gazette for full details.

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