Deborah Shropshire will resign from her position as director of the Oklahoma Department of Human Services, the agency announced Tuesday.

Shropshire has been the agency’s director since January 2023 and has worked there since 2014. Her last day will be September 13 and she will assist the new director during the transition period, the agency said.

“I have spent my entire career serving Oklahomans, and it has been the greatest joy of my life to stand alongside our incredible team at Oklahoma Human Services as we strive today to improve the future of our state,” Shropshire said in a statement. “Whether in child welfare, where I first discovered my love for this agency, its staff and clients, or in services supporting those experiencing poverty, our work has been about building bridges of hope. I will continue to stand by the agency and offer support to its next leader to ensure a seamless transition as the agency continues to focus its work on our mission of promoting the safety, independence and well-being of Oklahomans.”

During her time as director, Shropshire worked to modernise the process for clients applying for social assistance and launched Ageing our wayamong other efforts.

Shropshire also serves as Secretary of Human Services in Governor Kevin Stitt’s cabinet. The governor has appointed Shropshire as her director and will appoint her successor.

Editor’s note: This story was updated at 5:03 p.m. to include the date of Deborah Shropshire’s last day as principal.