Shawnda O’Brien, Division of Public Assistance director, has resigned.
O’Brien received a voicemail on Monday indicating that she is no longer the director of the division.
The message stated that “You have reached the voicemail for Division of Public Assistance.” “This job is now vacant. The deputy director has been contacted.”
KTOO did not receive any comment from the state officials. In an email to Department of Health staff Monday night, Commissioner Heidi Hedberg thanked O’Brien for her decades of dedicated service.
This news comes at a time when the division has been under criticism for failing to issue Medicaid benefits and food stamps in a timely fashion.
KTOO reported in December that thousands of Alaskans were still waiting for their benefits, despite having been waiting for them for months. Heidi Hedberg, the state health commissioner, blamed the backlog on a 2021 cyberattack, and a recent surge in paperwork. However, sources within the division informed KTOO that there were longstanding problems at the department including chronic understaffing.
The September renewal of food stamps is being handled by the division.
O’Brien will be replaced by Juneau resident Deb Etheridge. She was the former assistant director of Southeast Alaska Independent Living. Before that, she worked for the Department of Health. She will begin on January 17.
This is an ongoing story.
