Contact:
Rose Lynch, 608/266-6753
Madison – DWD Secretary Roberta Gassman today announced the hiring of Jane Penner-Hoppe as the agency’s policy advisor for initiatives related to the well-being of children.
Penner-Hoppe, will oversee DWD’s efforts to strengthen services for Wisconsin’s children and families, working closely with the Governor’s Office, the Departments of Health and Family Services, Corrections and Public Instruction, as well as other child welfare and advocacy organizations.
“I am very excited to add Jane’s skills and expertise to our DWD team as we launch Governor Doyle’s agenda for children,” said Secretary Gassman. “Ensuring that Wisconsin parents have access to quality child care; that kids are healthy and safe at home, at school and in their communities; and, that Wisconsin families have jobs that pay a family-sustaining wage; are the cornerstones of the Governor’s blueprint for Wisconsin’s children.”
Key among Ms. Penner-Hoppe’s duties will be the staffing of the taskforce developing the “Quality Counts” criteria as described in the Governor’s KidsFirst initiative. Additionally she will oversee the development of the workplan for service integration based on the National Governors Association (NGA) Policy Academy project. Wisconsin is one of six states chosen by NGA to develop systems integration to better care and create efficiencies for families who are served by multiple agencies and programs.
Penner-Hoppe received her bachelor’s and master’s degrees from the University of Wisconsin-Madison and serves as executive director of the Wisconsin Child Care Resources & Referral Network. She will begin her new duties on May 17, 2004.
