Fresno County’s Himes to be new director of Health and Human Services Agency

Dec. 11--NAPA -- Howard Himes, Fresno County Department of Social Services director, is Napa County Executive Officer Nancy Watt's recommendation to head the Health and Human Services Agency.

Himes would replace Randy Snowden, who retired in October.

Watt will ask the Board of Supervisors to confirm the appointment at its regular meeting today. Assuming he's confirmed, Himes will start Jan 13.

Impressed by Himes' "broad base of experience in human and social services," Watt said she looks "to him to guide the agency through continuing changes brought on by health care reform and increased demand for services."

An integrated "super agency," The Napa County Health and Human Services Agency provides a variety of services to county residents, including public health, mental health, alcohol and drug services, child welfare, older adult and self-sufficiency services like CalFresh and MediCal. Himes will oversee a staff of more than 400, with 10 division managers and an $89 million annual budget.

With Fresno County since 1987, Himes also is an adjunct professor at California State University in Fresno, and is active statewide on many boards, committees and centers related to children, families, social services and racial equality.

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