OHIO, USA — Ohio Governor Mike DeWine announced Monday that Director of the Ohio Department of Jobs and Family Services Kim Henderson, would be stepping down.
Henderson recently got married, and she and her husband are moving to North Carolina next week. Matt Damschroder, the current director of administrative services, will take over as interim director of ODJFS. Henderson will advise Damschroder until the end of April.
A nationwide search for a replacement for Henderson will be launched.
During Monday's press conference, Gov. DeWine congratulated Henderson, and asked her to say a few words about her time as director..
"I know ODJFS will be in great hands under Director Damschroder's leadership," Henderson said. "It's truly been an honor to serve on your cabinet, and I'm grateful to have been given the opportunity to lead such a talented and committed team at ODJFS.
They are serving a record-breaking three million Ohioans right now, and I'm so proud of their work," Henderson said.
Gov. DeWine appointed Henderson in January of 2019. Before she was appointed, Henderson served as senior vice president of administration and general counsel at Columbus State Community College, where she provided guidance on multiple issues, including college policy, administration and strategic initiatives.
Henderson also served under Gov. DeWine when he was Ohio's attorney general. She was his deputy chief counsel.
During Monday's COVID-19 press conference, Henderson spoke, saying she enjoyed her tenure serving as ODJFS director, and she thanked Gov. DeWine for appointing her.
Henderson earned her bachelor's degree from Columbia University, and a Juris Doctorate from Fordham University School of Law.
ODJFS is a $3.7 billion agency and employs about 2,400 workers. It oversees Ohio's public assistance, unemployment insurance, child and adult protective services, and more.