Wednesday, October 11, 2006
Contact: Spence Jackson, 573-751-0290
Blunt Nominates Scott to Lead Department of Social Services
JEFFERSON CITY–Gov. Matt Blunt today nominated Deborah E. Scott to serve as the director of the Department of Social Services (DSS).
“I am pleased to appoint Deborah Scott to lead this vitally important state agency,” Blunt said. “She has a clear understanding of the direction we are taking this department and will be a tremendous asset as we continue our focus on improving the delivery of health care services to Missourians with an eye on responsible stewardship of Missourians hard earned tax dollars.”
Scott, 54 of Centertown, is the deputy director of DSS and previously served as special assistant to the director. Scott has been a state employee since 1986 working in the Departments of Elementary and Secondary Education and Health and Senior Services. Scott holds a bachelor’s degree in secondary education from Truman State University. Scott has done graduate studies in social science from Truman State University and theology from Central Baptist Theological Seminary.
Scott will lead the department during a time of transition as the state works to create a new Medicaid program that provides quality and affordable healthcare to Missourians in need. Under the leadership of Gary Sherman, DSS realized a savings of more than $138 million by addressing waste, fraud and abuse in the state’s social welfare system. Sherman also worked to conduct full implementation of annual re-verification to ensure that recipients continue to be eligible for taxpayer funded assistance.
Scott’s appointment is subject to Senate confirmation.
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