The future of the Allegheny County Department of Human Services will remain rooted in data, analytics and measurable results under its new leader.
County Executive Sara Innamorato announced that Alex Jutca will become the next director of the Department of Human Services following a national search. Jutca has served as interim director since March after former director Erin Dalton departed to lead New York City's Department of Social Services.
The appointment signals the county's commitment to continuing DHS's nationally recognized data-driven approach to addressing issues such as homelessness, behavioral health, child welfare and aging services. DHS manages an annual budget of more than $1 billion and serves more than 200,000 residents each year.
In announcing the selection, Innamorato said DHS is known for innovation and using data to guide services, adding that Jutca's experience will help steer the agency through future challenges.
Jutca joined DHS in 2021 as director of the Office of Analytics, Technology and Planning, where he oversaw data and research initiatives, strategic planning and technology development. He also led efforts to modernize behavioral health and substance-use treatment systems, improve agency operations and expand access to public services, including a reduced-fare transit program.
"I look forward to building on that progress ... to focus intensely on how we can measurably improve outcomes for people," Jutca said.
County leaders say that focus on evidence-based solutions will be key as DHS continues addressing some of Allegheny County's most complex social and public health challenges.
This article by Gabby Sartori was created with the assistance of Artificial Intelligence (AI). Journalists were involved in every step of the information gathering, review, editing and publishing process. Learn more.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: New DHS director plans to build on Allegheny County's data-driven approach
