PHOENIX — On Tuesday, Governor Doug Ducey announced that the controversial Director of the Arizona Department of Child Safety, Greg McKay, will resign. During his four year tenure, McKay has failed to transform the department, which Ducey described as “one of the most broken agencies in the country.”
McKay is joining the non-profit Childhelp USA as Chief Operating Officer.
“On one hand he was sometimes willing to listen and adjust,” said one elected official, who asked to remain anonymous for fear of retaliation, “and on the other hand, he was obstructive due mostly to his lack of experience and knowledge. He wasn’t qualified when he took the job and the department has suffered for it.”
Ducey appointed Director McKay in 2015 to lead the overhaul of the department.
“It’s been an honor of a lifetime to serve the people of Arizona,” said Director McKay in a press release. “I’m grateful to have worked alongside an amazing and dedicated team at the Department of Child Safety, without whom none of the Department’s success would be possible. My thanks to Governor Ducey for the opportunity and challenge of working to ensure the safety and wellbeing of Arizona’s most vulnerable children. I will continue to be an advocate for Arizona children and those who protect and serve them.”
McKay will remain director of DCS until September 1, 2019.