Ann Purvis selected for new post

The Arkansas Department of Health (ADH) has selected Ann Purvis, formerly with the Department of Finance and Administration, to replace Mary Leath, the current Deputy Director for Administration who will be retiring on July 30.

Ms. Purvis served as Administrator in the Office of Intergovernmental Services at DFA. In her role as Administrator, Purvis’ responsibilities included managing eleven federal grant programs with over $500 million in funds, coordinating $3.2 billion in ARRA funding and negotiating the Statewide Cost Allocation Plan with the federal government as well as assisting in various aspects of the legislative process. She was DFA Director’s designee for the Arkansas Development and Finance Authority, the Information Network of Arkansas Board, the Health Information Exchange Council, the Arkansas State Technology Council and the Arkansas Drug Alcohol Abuse Coordinating Council. After obtaining her Juris Doctor from the University of Arkansas at Little Rock, Purvis served as General Counsel for the Secretary of State and as Assistant Attorney General for the Attorney General’s Office.

Halverson said, “We are excited to have someone with Ann’s breadth of experience in state government administration, and passion for public service, join the family here at the Arkansas Department of Health. Ann will begin her role as Deputy Director for Administration on August 1.”

Ms. Leath has been with the State of Arkansas for 35 years and has a long and distinguished career in State service including significant roles at the Department of Finance and Administration, the Deputy Director position at the Department of Environmental Quality and the health department. Paul Halverson, DrPH, FACHE, ADH director and state health officer, said, “Mary worked hard to establish a strong team and worked tirelessly in establishing effective systems to support the financial and administrative infrastructure for our Department. She will be sorely missed but is much appreciated.”