The hiring of the next director of the Children and Family Services Division of the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services was recently announced.

Stephanie Beasley, chief operating officer of the private nonprofit Adult and Child Health in central Indiana, will take the job beginning Feb. 24.

“Stephanie will be a great asset to the Department,” Nebraska Gov. Pete Ricketts said. “She has expansive frontline and executive experience that will serve the division well as she works with staff, as they help children and families live better lives. We are excited to welcome her to our team here in Nebraska.”

Beasley replaces Matt Wallen, who resigned Sept. 8. The Division of Children and Family Services is responsible for economic assistance, child support services, adult and child protective services and youth rehabilitation.

Beasley praised her new boss, Nebraska DHHS CEO Dannette Smith, in a news release.

“I am extremely excited to work with the DHHS team and Dannette,” Beasley said. “She is a magnetic person and committed leader. Each time I spoke with her and the team I got more and more excited as their passion for the safety of vulnerable children and strengthening of families underscores my life’s mission.”

Beasley graduated from Indiana University with a Bachelor of Science in criminal justice and sociology. She went on to earn a Master of Social Work.

She spent more than 13 years working for the Indiana Department of Child Services, including as director of child welfare for Marion County and later as deputy director for field operations, leading the provision of child welfare services in 92 counties.

“Stephanie is a real find for us,” Smith said. “She has the compassion, energy and a depth of knowledge needed to do this work. I am confident that she will be able to quickly integrate with the team and provide valuable insight and oversight to CFS.”