Served as the OAYS executive director to an Oklahoma statewide association of mental health and social services agencies representing a total system-wide budget of $70 million of services provided to youth and families. The statewide office provided support, training, program coordination, and state mandated oversight of designated youth services agencies. As a result, all youth services agencies maintained their individual status as a designated youth services agency under Oklahoma State Law. Responsibilities included: 1. Managed all aspects of association state office operations, including direct supervision of a staff of 7 full-time and contract employees; and an annual office budget of $1.6 million. 2. Provided financial and program analysis, consultation, mentoring, and strategic planning to the 42 YSA agency directors and boards. 3. Lobbied the Oklahoma State Legislature, Governor, and agency directors for funding increases and law changes related to the Youth Services Agency system, which resulted in numerous laws related to children’s services to be passed and signed into law that increased services to local communities. 4. Collaborated with Oklahoma state agencies regarding services provided to their clients, resulting in providing uniform, standardized services to children around the state. 5. Negotiated contract language and program coordination with Oklahoma state agencies for services provided by youth services agencies.

Conducted fiscal analyses and research for House Appropriations and Budget Committee. Specifically, conducted fiscal analyses and research for Human Services Subcommittee, which consisted of five Oklahoma state agencies, allocated $750 million in state funds and $1 billion in federal funds annually. (Previously staffed Health and Social Services Subcommittee of the House Appropriations and Budget Committee.) Analyzed state agency expenditures, revenues, and annual budget requests. Developed state policy related to health and human services programs. Developed information, reports, and proposals for legislators to develop agency funding levels. Wrote appropriations legislation, as well as substantive legislation. Served as liaison to state agencies, boards, and commissions.