Julie Barnes, Executive Director of Summit County Children Services (SCCS), announced plans to retire effective May 1, 2022.
“It has been a difficult decision for me, because I love the work we do, and I care greatly about the well-being of the children we serve as well as the devoted employees of SCCS who work tirelessly to protect children,” said Barnes. “However, after almost 32 years of service, I think the time is right.”
Ms. Barnes has led SCCS since 2013 with over 360 staff and a budget of over $60 million annually. The agency provides Intake and Protective services, as well as placement and specialized initiatives and services including foster care, kinship care, independent living and adoption. Last year, SCCS served 1 out of 12 children in Summit County and has over 800 children in agency custody.
Prior to joining SCCS, Ms. Barnes served for more than five years as Executive Director of Stark County Job and Family Services (SCJFS), a triple-combined agency including Human Services, Child Support and Children Services. Before that Barnes served for one year as Deputy Director of Children Services at SCJFS. Ms. Barnes also served as Director of Foster Care & Adoption at SCCS for nearly five years and she gained additional experience in the child welfare field through earlier positions at the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services and the Geauga County Department of Job and Family Services where she began her career a caseworker.
Ms. Barnes has served on many committees and boards at the state and local level. Earlier this month, she was recognized for her years of service and leadership as an officer of the Public Children Services Association of Ohio (PCSAO) Board of Trustees.
Ms. Barnes has a Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology from Hiram College and a M.Ed. degree in Higher Education from Kent State University.
“I know I will leave the agency in the hands of strong leaders in the Executive and Management Teams, and the many emerging leaders preparing to take on new levels of responsibility in the future, “she said.
The Summit County Children Services Board of Trustees (BOT) has secured Ratliff & Taylor, Executive Search consultants, to engage and recruit interested and qualified candidates for the position of Executive Director. Located in Independence, Ohio, Ratliff & Taylor is Ohio’s largest full-service talent management consultancy.
For more information about SCCS and to review the full position description, please visit www.summitkids.org/Careers