DJFS director earns statewide recognition

A Champaign County administrator received statewide recognition for her work on behalf of Ohio families, and for managing two county agencies over the past several years.

Susan Bailey-Evans was named 2016 Outstanding Director of the Year by the Ohio Job and Family Services Director’s Association. Bailey has served as director of the Champaign County DJFS since 2008. For the past five years, she has served as director of DJFS for both Champaign and Logan Counties.

“I never dreamed I would be bestowed that honor,” Bailey said. “It was quite humbling and a tremendous honor.”

Logan County’s DJFS agency recently hired a new executive director, ending an arrangement with Champaign County that lasted about five years. In the meantime, Bailey was tasked with serving both agencies including dealing with personnel, as well as fiscal and structural challenges, according to information from the ODJFS Director’s Association.

The arrangement was one of only a handful across Ohio in which multiple counties combined management duties.

She was also credited with mentoring incoming directors for the state association.

“Her words of wisdom and kindness have left an endearing mark on many of her coworkers and fellow executives which will pay forward for years to come,” said Joel Potts, executive director of the state association.

Officials in Champaign County said she grew into her job quickly after becoming director and often took on challenging roles to serve the public.

“From our perspective she’s been an outstanding director,” said Champaign County Commissioner Steve Hess. “We’re certainly proud of her award and think she’s very deserving.”

She was also credited with her work with the Public Children Services Association, where she serves as a board trustee. That organization promotes policies to advocate for safe children and stable families.

“There’s no higher calling than public service,” Bailey-Evans said. “Being able to have an impact on services that are coming into our communities obviously has great meaning to me. I’ve been very fortunate in both Logan and Champaign to have an incredible staff that also has that same commitment and dedication to serving those that come through our doors. We all work with the thought that there by the grace of God that we could be on the other side of that table very easily.”

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