AUGUSTA, Maine — The state has a new leader for child and family services, according to a news release from Health and Human Services Commissioner Mary Mayhew.
Jim Martin, a six-year veteran of DHHS, will be the new director of the Office of Child and Family Services. Martin most recently was director of the Office of Aging and Disability Services.
He replaces Therese Cahill-Low, who was abruptly fired last month.
As director of Office of Child and Family Services, Martin will oversee the state’s adoption, foster parenting and child protection programs, among others.
“Jim is an outstanding leader who will inspire his staff to deliver the best care possible for the children who depend on OCFS,” Mayhew said in the release. “Under his direction, OCFS will make prevention a top priority in ensuring Maine’s children are not subject to abuse and neglect.”
Gary Walcott, an eight-year public servant in DHHS, was named acting director of OADS to replace Martin.
Both Martin and Walcott will assume their new roles on Dec. 15.