Kansas Department for Aging and Disability Services secretary to leave at end of year

Kari Bruffett, secretary of the state Department for Aging and Disability Services, will leave her post at the end of the year for a position with the Kansas Health Institute.

Gov. Sam Brownback named Bruffett secretary in May 2014. The department oversees programs and services for older adults and people with disabilities and is responsible for the state’s Older Americans Act. Bruffett earlier was a director in the state Department of Health and Environment.

“Kari has served the citizens of Kansas well in her role with KDADS,” Brownback said in a news release. “She has dedicated her career to serving those in need, and I am grateful for her service to the state.”

Bruffett will start her job as director of policy at the Kansas Health Institute in early January. The institute is a Topeka-based nonprofit that provides health-related research and news.

“I would like to express my gratitude for the opportunity to serve the citizens of Kansas and for the governor's thoughtful, caring leadership,” Bruffett said in a written statement.

Bruffett’s resignation is the latest in a string of departures in Brownback’s cabinet.

In October, Ray Roberts, corrections secretary, announced he would retire at the end of the year. Commerce Secretary Pat George left in July. Department of Administration Secretary Jim Clark retired in June. Other departures from Brownback’s administration since 2011 have included secretaries for the departments of health and environment, children and families, and transportation.

“We appreciate the men and women who join our administration to serve Kansans,” said Eileen Hawley, spokeswoman for Brownback. “It is a tribute to their skill and reputation that they often are sought for leadership roles in private industry or other organizations.”

This story was originally published November 23, 2015 at 12:09 PM with the headline "Kansas Department for Aging and Disability Services secretary to leave at end of year."