Pence On Minott Departure: Change in Direction Appropriate

Gov. Mike Pence is offering little explanation about the pending departure of Family and Social Services Secretary Debra Minott, only that he wants a “change in direction.”

In a statement released Monday, Minott said she would be transitioning out of her role within a month or two and would work with Governor Pence to ensure that transition is orderly.  In a separate statement, Pence simply thanked Minott for her service, while his office cited a desire to change direction at the agency as the reason for the move.  A day later, Pence was saying the same thing.

“She’s led FSSA with real integrity and real professionalism," Pence says.  "It’s just, as we look toward moving into more of an implementation phase, it’s my judgment as governor that moving to a different direction in leadership at FSSA would be appropriate.”

FSSA is currently developing a preschool pilot program.  And the state’s largest agency is also seeking federal approval for the governor’s healthcare expansion program, HIP 2.0.  Pence says Minott will continue to play a role in securing that approval until her successor takes over.

“I’m also very confident that, as we complete that waiver request to the federal government, that we’ll be able to move forward without disruption," he says.

Pence says several people have expressed interest in taking over FSSA but that he’ll take his time in choosing a new leader for the agency.