TOPEKA (FoxKansas.com) -- The state's top social services official is stepping down at the end of the month after serving in the role for less than a year.
Social and Rehabilitation Services Secretary Rob Siedlecki will leave Gov. Sam Brownback's administration on Dec. 31, 2011, having joined the office 11 months earlier. In a written statement, Siedlecki said he plans to return to his native state of Florida.
"While I am returning to my home state of Florida, Kansas and Kansans will have special places in my heart," said Siedlecki, who has held similar jobs in Florida state government and the federal government. "Kansas hospitality is real."
The department Siedlecki is one of the largest in state government with over 5,000 employees and a budget that approaches $2 billion. The agency's mission is to create and implement effective social service strategies for the state and to protect the poor, abused and neglected.
Brownback has suggested sweeping changes for the agency.
FoxKansas.com Staff Writer Alfred Charles contributed to this report. He can be reached at acharles@nptvgroup.com.
