Snohomish County Human Services has a new director. Following a national search earlier this year, Mary Jane Brell Vujovic, the department’s division manager for housing a community services, was appointed to the position March 1. Ken Stark served in the position since 2008.

Brell Vujovic, has been in the human services field since 1973, working with myriad groups including immigrants, refugees and youth. She is credited with developing a wide range of community services, economic development, education, housing and workforce development programs. Before coming to Snohomish County in 2013, she was the director of strategic initiatives for Workforce Snohomish. Since coming to Snohomish County, she has implemented the county’s Investing in Families/Futures Initiative supported by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation.

“Mary Jane’s resume is indeed impressive, and her compassion for others will greatly benefit our community,” said Snohomish County Executive Director Stephen Clifton.

Former Human Services Director Ken Stark will help with the transition as needed. Stark’s long list of accomplishments includes playing a key role in development of the Snohomish County Triage Center, collaborating on the development of a south county detox center, and championing the Carnegie Building/Rapid Recidivism Reduction project.

“Ken has been one of the strongest voices in our state for our most vulnerable populations,” said Snohomish County Executive John Lovick said. “His perseverance in such a challenging field and his ability to work with a wide range of groups – from advocates to legislators – is remarkable. He will be missed.”

For more information about Snohomish County’s Human Services Department please visit http://bit.ly/1zmCk7b.