West Virginia
Department of Health and Human Resources (DHHR) Cabinet Secretary Bill J.
Crouch today appointed Cammie Chapman as Interim Commissioner of DHHR’s Bureau
for Children and Families, effective July 16 at 5:00 p.m.
Chapman will serve in
this interim position while DHHR continues recruitment for commissioners for
the newly created Bureau for Family Assistance and Bureau for Social Services,
which will replace the Bureau for Children and Families.
Chapman has served as
Associate General Counsel assigned to the Bureau for Children and Families
since 2018, where she has been the point person on many matters related to
child welfare. Prior to joining DHHR, she worked for the Supreme Court of
Appeals of West Virginia as the Director of Children Services Division.
“Cammie’s experience
as Associate General Counsel for the Bureau for Children and Families and her
many years working in the child welfare field make her a great fit for this
interim position,” said Crouch. “As we continue to recruit for commissioners
for the newly created bureaus, Cammie’s leadership will ensure a smooth
transition.”
Chapman has more than
20 years of legal experience. While in private practice, she worked in a
variety of legal fields, but her passion has always been in child welfare
law and representing children. She earned her Doctor of Jurisprudence from West
Virginia University College of Law. She also holds a Bachelor of Arts in
History and Philosophy from West Virginia University.
Chapman replaces
Linda Watts who will retire on July 16, 2021 after 16 years of service to the
State of West Virginia.
“Linda leaves behind a wonderful legacy of passion and care for the
health and well-being of West Virginia’s children and families,” said Crouch. “I am
thankful for her leadership and wish her the best in her retirement.”