Governor Warner Names New Commissioner of Virginia Department of Social Services
Governor Warner Names New Commissioner of Virginia Department of Social Services
Anthony Conyers, Jr. to succeed Maurice Jones
Governor Mark R. Warner today named Anthony Conyers, Jr. to the post of Commissioner of the Virginia Department of Social Services. Conyers has served for 22 years as Community Services Manager for James City County. In that role, he has managed the Human Services functions of county government, including the Divisions of Community Development, Housing, Social Services, Recreation, Transit, and Extension. Conyers will succeed Maurice Jones in the role of Commissioner.
"Maurice has been an extraordinary member of our administration, serving in the capacity of Deputy Chief of Staff, and then requesting a position where he could play a bigger role in improving the lives of our most vulnerable Virginians," said Governor Warner. "He will be a tough act to follow. I believe Tony Conyers is the person to do it. Tony brings years of frontline experience and an invaluable institutional knowledge in how to help Virginians navigate the system and get the services they need. Tony Conyers is an outstanding example of a Virginian whose professional and private lives have been dedicated to public service."
"Tony Conyers brings the experience of working in the community and the strong reputation for keeping the main thing' in sharp focus," said Virginia Health and Human Resources Secretary Jane Woods. "The main thing' is ensuring that serving the people we are charged to serve is always what we are about."
Conyers performed graduate study in Public Management at Old Dominion University, and has a B.A. from West Virginia State College. He served as a Captain in the U.S. Army. He has served on the boards of the Greater Williamsburg United Way, Greater Williamsburg Meals on Wheels, Williamsburg Community Hospital Board of Directors, Housing Partnerships Inc., Virginia Extension Leadership Council, Big Brothers/Big Sisters of Williamsburg, and the Colonial Services Board. He currently serves on the boards of the Virginia Association of Local Human Services Officials, Williamsburg-James City County Community Action Agency, Williamsburg Community Health Foundation, Williamsburg Medical Assistance Corporation, Colonial Group Home Commission, and All-Together of Greater Williamsburg.
Until Conyers takes office next week, Virginia Retirement System Deputy Commissioner Wallace "Bo" Harris will serve as Interim Social Services Commissioner.
The Department of Social Services works to administer the welfare system, foster care, child protection and adult protective services, as well as regulation of child care and adult care facilities, child support programs, and programs aimed at targeted adults-with-needs populations.
http://www.governor.virginia.gov/Press_Policy/Releases/2005/Mar05/0322.htm