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June 23, 2003 Contact: Jim Sellers (503) 945-5738 Program contact: James Toews (503) 945-6472 DHS names leader for services to seniors, people with disabilities The Oregon Department of Human Services (DHS) has named James Toews to head the part of the agency that is responsible for delivery of many services to seniors and people with disabilities. Toews, 54, Portland, was named Monday by Jean I. Thorne, DHS director. He had held the post in an acting capacity since February, and was deputy prior to that. "James Toews works effectively in a complex system of local delivery agencies, local governments and advocacy groups," Thorne said. "He includes our partners in the process, gets excellent marks from advocates, and is doing a fine job of leading the staff during a time of unusual change." Among the responsibilities of DHS' seniors and people with disabilities group are licensing, monitoring and operating 24-hour care facilities; administering programs that deliver in-home supports for seniors and people with physical and developmental disabilities; operating programs to prevent and investigate abuse and fraud; and determining eligibility for federal disability benefits on contract with the U.S. Social Security Administration. Toews (rhymes with waves) joined DHS in 1985 to administer programs for clients with developmental disabilities, and led the successful transition of Fairview Training Center residents to state- and privately operated group homes. Before joining DHS, he was governmental-affairs director and executive director of the Association for Retarded Citizens of Oregon and protective-services director for the Logan Center for Retardation Services in South Bend, Ind. He is a graduate of Goshen College in Goshen, Indiana. Thorne said Toews has named Cathy Cooper of Albany, who had served as his acting deputy, to the permanent position. Cooper has 23 years' experience managing state long-term care, employment and unemployment-insurance programs. Prior to taking this job, Cooper was DHS' field operations manager supervising the work of 32 field offices serving seniors and people with disabilities. She joined DHS in 1999 after 19 years with the state Employment Department, including 13 years managing offices in Salem, Roseburg and Coos Bay. Cooper holds a bachelor's degree in psychology from the University of San Francisco. |
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