By Dave Ranney
KHI News Service
TOPEKA, Dec.8
Social and Rehabilitation Services Secretary Gary Daniels will retire Dec. 15.
“It”s a decision he made some time ago,” said Abbie Hodgson, a spokeswoman for SRS. “He announced it today, but he”s been working with the governor”s office on this for quite some time.”
Hodgson said Daniels, 63, and his wife, Marcia, plan to move to Oklahoma and “live on a lake.”
Gov. Kathleen Sebelius announced Daniels” retirement during a Friday press conference.
“I understand Gary”s desire to retire and I thank him for his outstanding service,” Sebelius said. “Gary has provided excellent leadership in his department, doing more with less in order to increase the level of service to Kansans. Gary”s commitment to helping the vulnerable residents of our state will be missed.”
Daniels served as superintendent at Parsons State Hospital and Training Center (PSH’TC) from 1979 until 2004, when he was appointed acting secretary, replacing Janet Schalansky. He was named secretary
in the fall of 2005.
Sebelius named Juvenile Justice Authority Commissioner Don Jordan to succeed Daniels.
Jordan, 54, is a former superintendent at Osawatomie State Hospital and a former child welfare administrator at SRS.
News of Daniels” retirement caught the state”s advocacy community off-guard.
“We”re surprised, to say the least,” said Robert Harder, a former SRS secretary who”s active in the Big Tent Coalition, a group that advocates for the poor and disabled.
Harder praised Daniels” tenure as secretary.
“He”s a genuine humanitarian,” he said. “He”d become an important voice in the legislative process, he articulated the needs of the folks we”re concerned about. This is a significant loss.”
Child advocate Melissa Ness praised Daniels as well.
“Gary is one of those people who was the right leader for the right time,” said Ness, a lobbyist for St. Francis Academy, one of the state”s four foster care contractors. “He”s really made prevention and customer service top priorities within the agency.”
Hodgson said SRS” central office in Topeka is planning a reception for Daniels for next week.
Dave Ranney is a staff writer for KHI News Service, which specializes in coverage of health issues facing Kansans. He can be reached at
dranney@khi.org
or at 785-233-5443, ext. 128.