At the beginning of the new fiscal year on Friday, the Alaska Department of Health and Human Services will become two departments — one devoted to health issues, and one for family and community issues. Kim Kovol has been announced as commissioner of the second department.
The Department of Health will house:
- Division of Public Health
- Division of Public Assistance
- Division of Behavioral Health
- Division of Health Care Services
- Division of Senior and Disabilities Services
The Department of Family and Community Services will contain:
1. Division of Juvenile Justice
2. Alaska Psychiatric Institute
3. Alaska Pioneer Homes
4. Office of Children’s Services
The split comes as the Dunleavy Administration attempts to reduce the bureaucracy of the state’s largest department, DHSS. Although some in the Alaska Legislature opposed the move, the Legislature failed to block what is essentially an executive office decision. Executive Order 121 (EO 121) became law on March 19 and two departments will be legally operating entities as of July 1.
The Department of Health will have oversight of health care services, payment and public health while the Department of Family and Community Services will focus on supporting our child welfare system and the 24/7 facilities providing direct services to Alaskans, such as Alaska Pioneer Homes and the Alaska Psychiatric Institute, which care for patients and elders.
DHSS Commissioner Adam Crum will be the commissioner for the Department of Health. Koval will be commissioner of DOFCS.
“I selected Ms. Kovol to serve as the first commissioner of the new department because of her dedication and commitment to assisting Alaskan families,” said Gov. Dunleavy. ” She successfully launched my administration’s People First Initiative which integrates services and collaboration between public safety, violent crime prevention and stronger support services for youth in foster care.”
Kovol moved to Alaska over 26 years ago. She lived a traditional military family life, transferring and moving both internationally and within the Lower 48. She has over 25 years of experience in the private sector in executive leadership, management, operating licensed childcare facilities, organizational development and restructure, logistics, and working in the human and social services realm with youth and adults. She is both passionate and compassionate when addressing the needs of vulnerable populations, as seen through her efforts with various non-profit organizations in Alaska focused on children, hunger, and homelessness.
Prior to being appointed commissioner, Kovol was Special Assistant to Governor Dunleavy with a social services portfolio focusing on Domestic Violence, Sexual Assault, Missing and Murdered Indigenous Persons, Human and Sex Trafficking, Homelessness, Foster care, Early Childcare, Eldercare, Opioids / Fentanyl, and Suicide Prevention.
Kovol has a bachelor’s degree in liberal arts and studies (K-8 Education) from San Diego State University and a Master of Social Work from University Alaska Anchorage. At every opportunity she has time, you can find her bow hunting (donating 100% of harvested game to local soup kitchens), riding a Harley Davidson with her beloved dog, and “mom-ing” to three Alaskan born and raised children, ages 22, 21, and 18.
