Bonnie Hommrich named new DCS commissioner

Gov. Bill Haslam has appointed Bonnie Hommrich as the new commissioner for the Department of Children's Services.

The appointment is a promotion for Hommrich, who's served as deputy commissioner for child programs at DCS since 2004, according to a news release.

"Bonnie has dedicated her entire career to helping children and families," Haslam said in the news release.

"She has experience on the front lines of social work as well as in senior level positions where she has analyzed and interpreted complex information, situations and issues. I am grateful for her willingness to serve as commissioner and to have her depth of knowledge and expertise leading the department."

Hommrich, 68, takes over for outgoing commissioner Jim Henry. Haslam recently appointed Henry as his new chief of staff, replacing Mark Cate. Cate is leaving the position to pursue a job in the private sector.

In her role at DCS, Hommrich focused on child protective services, foster care, adoptions, community juvenile justice and independent living. That includes overseeing the settlement of the "Brian A." case, a large and lengthy lawsuit against DCS challenging the state's care of foster children that's required the state to enact sweeping changes.

Before joining the DCS staff, Hommrich served 22 years as a social worker and in a leadership role with the Kentucky Department of Social Services, according to the news release.

"I am deeply appreciative of the opportunity to serve the administration as commissioner for the Department of Children's Services," Hommrich said in the news release.

"Under Commissioner Henry's leadership and with the dedicated commitment of staff, the department has made significant progress in achieving better outcomes for children. We are all focused on continuing this progress."

Hommrich officially takes over Aug. 1, the same day Henry assumes the role of chief of staff.

Reach Dave Boucher at 615-259-8892 and on Twitter @Dave_Boucher1.