New DHHS Director Connie Beck (left) with former DHHS head Phil Crandall. Photo courtesy DHHS.

Two months after the last appointee ran away from the position, there’s a new director of the Humboldt County Department of Health and Human Services: Connie Beck, who has been serving as the interim director since shortly after El Dorado County’s Kristin Brinks bailed on the job.

The largest department in county government, DHHS has had its share of challenges in recent years, particularly in the Mental Health branch, which has been plagued by short-staffing, safety concerns and low morale. Beck has worked in the department for 20 years.

Here’s the press release from the county:

The Humboldt County Board of Supervisors today appointed Connie Beck to the position of Director of the Department of Health & Human Services (DHHS).

Beck brings considerable experience and expertise to the position. She has worked for DHHS for 20 years and has been the department’s interim director since late December. She also served as Assistant Director, Administration for three years before being appointed to the position.

As director, Beck will oversee a department with a yearly operating budget of approximately $150 million and provides direct services to more than 38,000 residents each year. Beck will work collaboratively with a variety of county departments as well as public and private community stakeholders in developing and implementing programs and services to meet community needs.

Beck becomes only the second person to lead DHHS since 2001 when the integrated agency was created, combining what were previously six separate county departments into one. Phillip R. Crandall, the previous director, retired Dec. 29, 2015.