Mayor Announces Resignation of Dr. Arthur Evans, Commissioner of the Department of Behavioral Health and Intellectual disAbility Services (DBHIDS)
Mayor Kenney today accepted the resignation of Dr. Arthur C. Evans, Jr., Commissioner of the Department of Behavioral Health and Intellectual disAbility Services (DBHIDS). Evans has accepted the position of Chief Executive Officer with the American Psychological Association in Washington, D.C. APA is a professional organization representing psychology in the United States, with a membership of more than 117,500 researchers, educators, clinicians, consultants and students. Its mission is to advance the creation, communication and application of psychological knowledge to benefit society and improve people’s lives.
The Mayor has named DBHIDS Deputy Commissioner David T. Jones as Acting Commissioner while a search is underway for Evans replacement.
“Arthur Evans did a great job over his twelve years as the leader of DBHIDS. He spearheaded a system wide transformation of the Department, de-stigmatizing mental health issues and making its services more accessible for our most vulnerable citizens. I wish him the best,” said the Mayor. “I am confident that David T. Jones will provide continuity and leadership given his background and expertise during this transition.”
Jones is currently the Deputy of Administration and Finance overseeing a $1.5 billion budget. Jones possesses a vast in-depth knowledge of state and federal regulations inclusive of Medicaid managed care and Mental Health Rehabilitation Standards. He has managed both an urban and suburban public behavioral health system that achieved outcomes that include increasing access to care and expanding the range of services available to residents with behavioral health care needs
“My work with the department has been enormously fulfilling. Having worked under three mayors, I’m proud to have seen our system transform to a place where self-determination is now the expectation for people with intellectual disabilities, and recovery and resilience are the expectations for adults and children experiencing behavioral health challenges” said Arthur Evans.
Evans last day will be February 10th.