Governor Names New DHS Associate Secretary

SPRINGFIELD -- Governor George H. Ryan today named Ms. Carolyn Cochran Kopel as the Associate Secretary for the Department of Human Services (DHS).

The newly created position is a key management position within the Department with primary responsibilities for the Early Intervention Program as well as other duties.

"Carolyn has been a tireless worker in the human services arena for over two decades," Governor Ryan said. "Her success and experience in state government will be a tremendous asset for the Department of Human Services, especially the families served by Early Intervention."

Cochran Kopel has devoted her career to human services. During her years as an analyst-and again as Division Chief of Human Services and Education for the Bureau of the Budget-she worked with a number of agencies including, the Department of Rehabilitation Services and the Department of Alcohol and Substance Abuse that were included in the merger that created DHS. Ms. Cochran Kopel has also served as the Chief of Policy, Planning and Program Development in the former Illinois Department of Mental Health and Developmental Disabilities, another agency that was merged into DHS. Cochran Kopel comes to DHS from the Department of Children and Family Services where she currently is Chief of Staff.

"I am thrilled to be filling the key position of Associate Secretary with someone of Carolyn's caliber," said Baker. "She is already familiar with many of the services available through the Department from a programmatic and budgetary standpoint. This experience, combined with her solid administrative background, will be invaluable as we proceed with the implementation of quality enhancements and revenue generating activities for the Early Intervention Program for infants and toddlers with developmental delays during the next few months. "

Cochran Kopel earned a Masters of Social Work from the University of Illinois at Urbana and a Bachelor of Science from Illinois State University. She also participated in Duke University's program on Strategic Leadership for State Executives. Her appointment is effective June 1, 2001.