The Ohio Job and Family Services Directors Association (OJFSDA) said Monday that its longtime executive director, Joel Potts, is leaving to join the new Department of Children and Youth (DCY). Laura Abu-Absi, assistant executive director, will move up to succeed Potts, the association said.

Potts will be chief government and external affairs officer for DCY, a new agency created in the biennial budget bill to consolidate administration of programs focused on children birth to age 5 now spread across several agencies. Gov. Mike DeWine, who proposed creation of DCY, recently named Kara Wente as its director. (See The Hannah Report, 8/7/23.)

Potts has been executive director of OJFSDA for 16 years, and previously worked at the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services (ODJFS).

Abu-Absi’s prior experience includes work as senior policy analyst for human services for the County Commissioners Association of Ohio (CCAO) and legislative liaison for the Bureau of Workers’ Compensation (BWC) and ODJFS.

“Ms. Abu-Absi has established herself as a leading expert in local job and family service operations.Her expertise is invaluable in assisting local and state elected officials develop policies aimed at improving the system and providing quality services to the residents of Ohio,” said Potts in a statement.

OJFSDA Board President Tammy Osborne-Smith said, “Those of us that have had the pleasure of working with Laura clearly recognize her extraordinary competencies, strengths, contributions, and commitment to the Association. Having such a qualified and experienced candidate made the selection easy.”