Supervisors Appoint HHSA Director

The Board of Supervisors today announced the appointment of Dr. Cheryl Duerksen as director of Tulare County’s Health & Human Services Agency.

Dr. Duerksen will fill the position previously held by John Davis, who retired January 20 after serving as HHSA’s director since 2006. In total, Davis served Tulare County in various roles for more than 30 years, including Director of Human Services and the Director of the Kings/Tulare Area Agency on Aging (K/T AAA).

Davis released this statement regarding his retirement:

"I am truly grateful that the Board gave me the opportunity to serve as Director of the Agency for these last several years. We built an exceptionally strong leadership team, and I retire knowing that I leave the Agency in very good hands."

Chairman of the Board of Supervisors Allen Ishida said Tulare County is pleased to appoint Dr. Duerksen to the HHSA Director position.

“John’s public service career in Tulare County is second to none and the Board appreciates his dedication and leadership,” Chairman Ishida said. “We are confident Dr. Duerksen will do an excellent job in her role as HHSA’s top official.”

Dr. Duerksen has served HHSA since 1997 through a succession of roles beginning with Lead Psychologist, Assistant Agency Director and as the Director of Mental Health.  Most recently, she was appointed as Associate Director.

“I’m excited to serve as director on behalf of the Board of Supervisors and CAO,” Duerksen said. “John Davis has provided the Agency with exceptional leadership over the past five years and has paved the way for improving relationships with multiple organizations and agencies across the County.”

HHSA provides a full range of services to the people of Tulare County, including clinical and public health services; mental health and alcohol and other drug (AOD) services; and social services, which includes children, adult and aging services.

“I look forward to continuing to solidify the ties we enjoy with our community, as the Agency continues to provide services to the families and consumers of Tulare County,” Duerksen said.