Catalyst for Change New OKDHS director shares candid truths of his first year BY ERIN PAGE . PHOTOS PROVIDED.
At age 40, Brown was appointed director of OKDHS in June 2019 by Gov. Kevin Stitt. Formerly the CEO of Choice Capital Partners, Brown built a passion for serving seniors with Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia through his role in managing the business behind assisted living centers across three states. Though no stranger to the responsibilities and dedication required in caring for a vulnerable population, Brown acknowledges a learning curve as he’s acclimated to a career in state government. On the flip side, the businessman’s fresh perspective, visionary thinking and heart for service have been catalysts for continued improvements in the agency. As such, Gov. Stitt also appointed Brown cabinet secretary of human services and early childhood development in March. As May marks National Foster Care Month, Brown reflects on his first year as OKDHS director and his vision for the future.
One year ago, Justin Brown’s perception of the Oklahoma Department of Human Services was created exclusively by stories from the local news. Now he runs the state’s largest agency and is quick to concede his first impressions couldn’t have been further from the truth.
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16 METROFAMILYMAGAZINE.COM / MAY 2020
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