Legislature(2023 - 2024)BUTROVICH 205
03/14/2023 03:30 PM Senate HEALTH & SOCIAL SERVICES
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| Audio | Topic |
|---|---|
| Start | |
| Confirmation Hearing(s) Commissioner Department of Family and Community Services | |
| Adjourn |
* first hearing in first committee of referral
+ teleconferenced
= bill was previously heard/scheduled
+ teleconferenced
= bill was previously heard/scheduled
ALASKA STATE LEGISLATURE
SENATE HEALTH AND SOCIAL SERVICES STANDING COMMITTEE
March 14, 2023
3:30 p.m.
MEMBERS PRESENT
Senator David Wilson, Chair
Senator Forrest Dunbar
Senator Cathy Giessel
MEMBERS ABSENT
Senator James Kaufman, Vice Chair
Senator Löki Tobin
COMMITTEE CALENDAR
CONFIRMATION HEARING(S)
Commissioner Department of Family and Community Services
Kim Kovol - Anchorage
- CONFIRMATION ADVANCED
PREVIOUS COMMITTEE ACTION
No previous action to record
WITNESS REGISTER
KIM KOVOL, Commissioner-Designee
Department of Family and Community Services (DFCS)
Anchorage, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified as the Commissioner-Designee for
the Department of Family and Community Services
DAVID IGUELL, representing self
Juneau, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified with concerns about the
appointment of Commissioner-Designee Kovol.
JEANNIE MONK, Senior Vice President
Alaska Hospital and Healthcare Association
Juneau Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in support of the appointment of
Commissioner-Designee Kovol.
CHRIS KOLEROK, Director
Public Policy
Cook Inlet Housing Authority
Anchorage, Alaska- Designee Kovol.
JASMINE BOYLE, representing self
Anchorage, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in support of the appointment of
Commissioner-Designee Kovol.
BILL GALIC, representing self
Indiana
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in support of the appointment of
Commissioner-Designee Kovol.
DONNA AGUINIGA, Ph.D., representing self
Anchorage, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in support of the appointment of
Commissioner-Designee Kovol.
ACTION NARRATIVE
3:30:04 PM
CHAIR DAVID WILSON called the Senate Health and Social Services
Standing Committee meeting to order at 3:30 p.m. Present at the
call to order were Senators Giessel, Dunbar, and Chair Wilson.
^CONFIRMATION HEARING(S) COMMISSIONER DEPARTMENT OF FAMILY AND
COMMUNITY SERVICES
CONFIRMATION HEARING(S)
COMMISSIONER, DEPARTMENT OF FAMILY AND COMMUNITY SERVICES
3:30:33 PM
CHAIR WILSON announced the consideration of the confirmation
hearing for Kim Kovol as the commissioner of the Department of
Family and Community Services (DFCS). He asked Commissioner-
Designee Kovol to give an overview of her experience and her
vision for the department.
3:31:28 PM
KIM KOVOL, Commissioner-Designee, Department of Family and
Community Services (DFCS), Anchorage, Alaska, provided the
following prepared testimony:
Thank you for this time to share with you a little bit
about myself and my vision and priorities for DFCS.
I have been in the role of Acting Commissioner since
July 1, 2022, when the Department of Health and Social
Services reorganized into the Department of Family and
Community Services and the Department of Health (DOH).
Prior to this current role, I served as Governor
Dunleavy's Special Assistant with an extensive social
services portfolio focusing on domestic
violence/sexual assault, Missing and Murdered
Indigenous Persons, human and sex trafficking,
homelessness, foster/child/elder care,
opioids/fentanyl, and suicide prevention.
3:32:12 PM
While I am newer to government service, I have over 25
years of experience in the private and non-profit
sectors to include executive leadership, management,
licensed facilities administration, organizational
development and restructure, logistics, and working in
the human and social services realm with youth and
adults. From large capacity expansion of youth
services and licensed child-care facilities to
addressing food insecurities and homelessness to
working with municipal, state, and federal government
agencies and business leaders in the environmental
field, I have worked with numerous individuals,
coalitions, and communities, established strong
partnerships, and emphasized a high standard of
performance within my organizations' unique work
cultures. I am known for my "lovingly firm" leadership
style which means I will listen, I will validate, and
I will learn, then insist on training, education,
data, collaboration, and solutions to address
challenging systems and situations.
A little bit about my life: I grew up in a traditional
military family in my younger years; we moved
nationally and internationally quite often. My father
retired from the US Navy as an E9 Command Master
Chief, and my mother devoted her entire adult life to
civil service with naval active-duty members and their
families. During the Viet Nam War era, my parents
helped thousands of refugees during Operation New Life
on Grande Island, Subic Bay Philippines, with my
mother being one of four translators for nearly 50,000
Vietnamese refugees. It was my parents intense and
unwavering focus to help families - especially those
experiencing intense trauma - that developed my heart
of service.
3:33:51 PM
Growing up, I loved school and I always wanted to be a
teacher. I graduated from San Diego State University
with my bachelor's in liberal arts and studies, or
more commonly known as K-8 Education. I especially
loved working with the youngest of children and
pursued administrative certification/qualifying
credits in Early Childhood Education, which I did co-
currently with my bachelor's degree. I returned to
higher education after a long gap, attending the
University of Alaska Anchorage and earned my master's
in social work and designation as a LEND Fellow - it
took me 27 years to cross that finish line, but it
goes to show you that it's never too late to pursue
higher learning and I do not give up when I want to
accomplish a goal. For those who do not know, LEND
stands for Leadership, Education in Neurodevelopmental
and related Disabilities, and my focus as a LEND
Fellow was identifying service access and
availability, and systemic navigation for individuals
and families living with Autism.
On that note, Autism is a major part of what defines
me. Two of my three children were diagnosed with
Autism in their preschool years. Their unique and
complex health, medical, behavioral, educational, and
workforce needs have been interwoven into my life as
their mother, advocate, and biggest cheerleader. I am
the legal guardian of my 23-year-old son, who requires
24-hour care and supervision. I shared the story of my
son and our family's journey at the Alaska Mental
Health Trust Improving Lives conference this past
fall; this was a risk to reveal something so
incredibly personal, but I felt is was critical for my
colleagues, fellow health professionals, social
workers, and educators to truly hear that in this
role, I understand the challenges our families face
and that I am earnest to collaborate with stakeholders
to examine our current policies and systems, and
address the needs of youth, adults, and families
struggling to find resources, especially in instances
of complex care and placement.
3:35:54 PM
I am honored and excited about the prospects and
opportunities that this new department presents; it is
important to note that these divisions are not new,
but this reorganization effectively promised and
pledged to Alaskans that an intensive and meaningful
level of engagement, focus, attention, redress, and
corrections will occur, and I can confidently say has
been occurring. Within my first 100 plus days, I
visited nearly all our division sites statewide to
listen to staff, stakeholders, partners, and
constituents - with a handful of sites still left to
visit this spring and summer. I want to recognize our
resilient staff who acknowledge the workforce crisis
we are all experiencing, and how we can implement
their suggestions on employee wellness and to
recognize their efforts. A moment that resonates with
me occurred while visiting with our Bethel OCS staff.
One case worker described to me their routine to plan,
pack, and travel to remote sites to assist families
and children - both by plane and by boat. This case
worker told me they were exhausted, but picked up that
monster backpack again and again because it was their
calling. I also want to acknowledge the numerous
personal talks and correspondence I have had with
residents and patients in our homes and facilities,
from quiet interactions and one on one conversations
to spontaneous mini town halls. The youth and families
from our child welfare agency contacts have been
emotional, enlightening, constructive in critiques,
and extremely moving.
My vision for DFCS is to be person focused and this
applies to our youth, adults, elders, their families,
and our staff. Ensuring we have the highest standard
of care, engagement and service to our clients,
residents and patients is a priority for me, as well
as addressing the needs of our staff and workforce in
wellness, trainings, wages, and retention. In
addition, addressing the needs of youth and adults in
our care with high acuity and complex placements is an
absolute priority that requires both the public and
private sectors working together. We need to be brave
and innovative to try creative solutions and reflect
with our partners on what works for their communities
and what does not.
3:38:00 PM
With this reorganization, I have received feedback
reinforcing my observations that our divisions and
partners have had more opportunities to collaborate
and focus on delivery services and exchanges,
establish both divisional and departmental cross
programming opportunities, encourage more mentorships,
internships and practicum placements with our local
university and educational systems, and examine our
role in the child welfare and elder care systems in
our state. I want to stress that social determinants
of health such as adequate housing, access to
nutrition and health care, safe childhood experiences
and relationships, and educational opportunities are
part of the overall system for healthy children,
elders, families, and communities where our collective
attention and investment should be leveraged.
Addressing poverty, food insecurity and substance
abuse is not an area that one division or department
can be expected to solve through our direct services
in response to individuals or families in crisis. We
all play a role in ensuring our families and our
communities are safe and able to thrive.
3:38:59 PM
I want to wrap up on our guiding principles that we
created recently, as I take great pride in the
direction that our leadership team and staff strive
for:
We will:
• Strengthen lives through meaningful connections
with families, communities, Tribes, and
providers.
• Provide safe, person-centered care with integrity
and dignity to the Alaskans we serve.
• Advance an agency culture that prioritizes the
well-being of our workforce.
• Mobilize innovative solutions to complex
challenges.
Again, thank you for this opportunity.
3:39:35 PM
SENATOR GIESSEL asked her to talk about staffing at the Alaska
Pioneer Homes.
3:39:59 PM
COMMISSIONER KOVOL replied that staffing challenges vary
depending on the position, but the Pioneer Homes need more well-
trained nurses and support staff because of the rising number of
residents with unique conditions and needs. The percentage of
residents with diseases related to dementia has increased from a
low of 53 percent to as high as 79 percent.
3:40:37 PM
SENATOR GIESSEL asked if it would be helpful if licensure for
certified nurse aids required specialized dementia training.
COMMISSIONER-DESIGNEE KOVOL replied that she always supports
more training and education for staff, but before adding a new
requirement for training she would need to know more about what
the time commitment and cost would be for the current and future
staff.
3:41:48 PM
CHAIR WILSON observed that the four divisions that fall under
DFCS support vulnerable Alaskans. He asked what her vision was
for communicating and interacting with the public about what's
happening in those four divisions and how they are fulfilling
their mission.
He mentioned the specific purpose for and difficult decisions
made by the Office of Children's Services and serious
maintenance issues at the Fairbanks Pioneer Homes that serve
very vulnerable adults
3:43:23 PM
COMMISSIONER-DESIGNEE KOVOL replied that DFCS has a
communication plan to educate the public about their roles and
statutory duties. There are sensitive topics that they cannot
discuss because of HIPAA and ongoing litigation, but they can
share information about the roles staff play, opportunities in
the community for interaction, and how the public can
participate in statutory and regulatory changes. Educating the
public about DFCS services is top priority. She acknowledged
that there were negative stories about the divisions and said
she was committed to working hard to educate citizens about
their roles and share stories of successes.
3:45:09 PM
SENATOR DUNBAR asked her to talk about increasing the number of
beds at API or reducing the demand.
COMMISSIONER-DESIGNEE KOVOL replied that API is licensed for 80
beds and between 70 and 76 beds are filled. One wing has dual
beds that are permanently attached and for safety reasons both
beds may not be filled. Ten beds are for youth, ten are for
forensics, and the remaining beds are for adults. She said short
of adding another building or floor, the department was looking
at community- and jail-based programs for individuals who need
help but don't need to be institutionalized.
3:46:19 PM
SENATOR DUNBAR asked whether the department was looking
seriously at adding a building or a third floor to the existing
facility. If not, he asked the extent to which the community-
based and jail-based programing option was reflected in the
department's budget request and what challenges had been
identified to standing up those programs.
COMMISSIONER-DESIGNEE KOVOL confirmed that the department had
submitted a budget request for the community- and jail-based
programs. To the question about expanding the existing facility,
she opined that it was up to the state to make a decision about
treatment options for adults and youth, and whether that was
adding another building or using partners and leveraging those
existing programs.
SENATOR DUNBAR asked which direction she preferred.
COMMISSIONER-DESIGNEE KOVOL articulated a preference for
community-based programs so adults and children are able to
receive needed services that are close to their homes and
community. She said institutions serve a purpose but too much
effort is put into the notion that a building will solve the
problem. The community has to be involved.
CHAIR WILSON said he was pleased to hear her response.
3:49:05 PM
CHAIR WILSON opened public testimony on the appointment of Kim
Kovol as commissioner of the Department of Family and Community
Services (DFCS).
3:49:33 PM
DAVID IGUELL, representing self, Juneau, Alaska, stated that he
is a forensic journalist whose mission is to speak up for people
who need an advocate. He cited Proverbs 31:8. He related that in
recent months he'd written three stories about the Office of
Children's Services (OCS) and the children that OCS had taken
from their mothers. He's come to believe that people involved in
the OCS system are reluctant to speak up out of fear of
retaliation. He said Commissioner-Designee Kovol seems nice, but
he looks at actions and results, not words. During her tenure he
had seen neither. He identified four trouble areas one of which
was removing children from their homes and transferring them
repeatedly. In one instance, autistic children were transferred
57 times. He said $450 million passes through OCS and he was
concerned about who was getting that money. Former
Representative Tammie Wilson raised questions about OCS's
finances in 2016 and there was never an investigation. He
charged that big business was involved. He mentioned the class
action lawsuit that the department is trying to get dismissed
and the grand jury investigation into OCS that was stopped by
Supreme Court order in 1993. He also pointed out that 65 percent
of the foster children in the OCS system are Alaska Native.
CHAIR WILSON suggested he submit his testimony in writing and it
would be uploaded to BASIS as part of the record.
3:54:31 PM
JEANNIE MONK, Senior Vice President, Alaska Hospital and
Healthcare Association (AHHA), Juneau, stated that, on behalf of
AHHA, she was pleased to testify that Kim Kovol is the best
possible choice for commissioner of the Department of Family and
Community Services (DFCS). She is actively collaborating and has
initiated monthly meetings with the CEO of AHHA. Her education
and work experience make her well suited for the role.
Importantly, she brings heart to her work. She is committed to
improving life for Alaskan children, adults, and families. She
has a long history of advocacy and unwavering support for the
homeless, people experiencing domestic violence, children in
foster care, and children with autism. She will do everything in
her power to make the new department effective and ensure
services meet the needs of Alaskans. Commissioner-Designee Kovol
has AHHA's full support.
3:56:32 PM
CHRIS KOLEROK, Director, Public Policy, Cook Inlet Housing
Authority, Anchorage, Alaska, stated support for Kim Kovol as
commissioner of the Department of Family and Community Services
(DFCS). He said he could talk about her exemplary qualifications
but instead he would talk about her dedication. Two decades ago
she forsook higher pay to serve people whose lives were measured
not in sales but in completed high school diplomas; not in
bonuses but in safe hours after school; and not in corporate
salaries but in hungry mouths fed. Her dedication is evidenced
by long hours in social services. He said their politics don't
always align but their humanity is never out of tune. He urged
support for her speedy confirmation.
3:58:44 PM
JASMINE BOYLE, representing self, Anchorage, Alaska, stated
support for Kim Kovol as Commissioner of the Department of
Family and Community Services (DFCS). For context, she shared
that she has more than 20 years of executive experience in the
care of vulnerable people. She has worked with Commissioner-
designee Kovol for more than five years both professionally and
in volunteer efforts that relate to the work for which she will
be responsible. While their political views are not aligned,
they have a shared commitment to the most vulnerable of
Alaskans. They share the belief that it is possible to build
systems with a budget rooted in reality and a heart committed to
the people of Alaska. Working together on projects, she
demonstrated thoughtfulness, partnership, pragmatism, and
commitment. She is open to innovation, committed to staff, and
unwaveringly supportive of vulnerable people. She opined that
Commissioner-designee Kovol has the requisite skills,
dedication, and commitment to build the new department to
benefit Alaskans for years to come.
4:01:34 PM
BILL GALIC, representing self, Indiana, stated that he was a
retired frontline supervisor in the Kenai OCS office and a
former professor of social work who had Commissioner-designee
Kovol in several master's-level courses, including social
policy. Before returning to school, she had a full career in the
social service field. She also has a background in private
sector business management. She understands both the need for
and cost of providing services. The governor was quick to
identify her skills. Beyond her professional experience, she has
both the personality and work ethic to successfully fill this
important leadership position. Since assuming this role, she has
actively reached out to the department, employees, community
members, and community providers throughout the state. She sees
the big picture and has a perspective that balances the
possibilities and the limitations of what the state can achieve
in its work with clients. Nobody can solve all the problems the
department faces, but Commissioner-designee Kovol is certainly
well prepared for this appointment. He recommended the committee
support her confirmation.
4:04:06 PM
DONNA AGUINIGA, Ph.D., representing self, Anchorage, Alaska,
stated that she is an associate professor in the School of
Social Work and has a master's and Ph.D. in social work. She is
speaking as a professional in support of the appointment of Kim
Kovol as the commissioner of the Department of Family and
Community Services (DFCS). While serving together on the UAA
Center for Community Engagement and Learning Advisory Council,
she witnessed Commissioner-designee Kovol's efforts to
strengthen the connection between the university and the
community and create opportunities for students to collaborate
and develop their advocacy and fundraising skills to fight
hunger within the community. Another collaborative effort
allowed social work students to develop their professional
intervening and listening skills. This volunteer work led to Ms.
Kovol applying to the Master of Social Work program and earning
her MSW degree. She cares deeply about improving social services
in Alaska, is empathetic to the voices and concerns of people
and organizations, and understands the value of research and
data in formulating public policy. They don't share the same
political views but Commissioner-designee Kovol excels at
bridging differences. She brings that key skill to this
position.
4:06:46 PM
CHAIR WILSON closed public testimony and asked Commissioner-
designee if she had any closing comments.
COMMISSIONER-DESIGNEE KOVOL said she appreciates both the kind
and critical words.
CHAIR WILSON solicited a motion to forward the name of the
appointee from committee.
4:07:43 PM
SENATOR GIESSEL moved to forward the following name to a joint
session for consideration:
Commissioner, Department of Family and Community Services
Kim Kovol - Anchorage, Alaska
Signing the reports regarding appointments to boards and
commissions in no way reflects individual members' approval or
disapproval of the appointees; the nominations are merely
forwarded to the full legislature for confirmation or rejection.
4:08:01 PM
CHAIR WILSON found no objection and the name was forwarded.
4:08:09 PM
At ease.
CHAIR WILSON reconvened the meeting and made committee
announcements.
4:09:13 PM
There being no further business to come before the committee,
Chair Wilson adjourned the Senate Health and Social Services
Standing Committee meeting at 4:09 p.m.
| Document Name | Date/Time | Subjects |
|---|---|---|
| Kim Kovol resume 2023.pdf |
SHSS 3/14/2023 3:30:00 PM |