San Luis Obispo County has hired a new Social Services chief to replace the retiring director, and going outside SLO County to find their new man.
County Administrative Officer, Dan Buckshi, said Devin Drake will replace Lee Collins as director of Social Services effective Jan. 1.
“Social programs contribute to the County’s vision of a safe, healthy, livable, prosperous and well-governed community,” Board Chairwoman and Dist. 4 Supervisor Lynn Compton said, “which is why it’s important to have social services leaders with the experience and skills to champion this vision and move us closer to it. We welcome Mr. Drake to our team and look forward to working with him to enhance the quality of life here.”
Collins is retiring after 16-years with the County. Drake will oversee a $114.8 million budget and some 500 employees.
Social Services provides public services and programs, “that ensure the protection of children, the elderly and dependent adults, and provide a safety net for individuals and families who need assistance with basic necessities, such as food, housing, and health care,” Buckshi said in a news release.
Drake said, “I’m excited about the opportunity to work in all realms of social services and help the needy families and vulnerable individuals in San Luis Obispo County. I look forward to working with County staff and the County’s many community partners to enhance self-sufficiency, and ensure that basic human needs are met for the people of San Luis Obispo County.”
Drake has a bachelor’s degree in psychology from Brigham Young University in Utah, and a master’s degree in psychological counseling from Indiana State. He is a licensed marriage and family therapist and has worked for Santa Barbara County DSS since 1999. Drake was selected among 65 applicants for the job.
