State's secretary for aging, disability to move to Kansas Health Institute

Nov. 23--Kansas Department of Aging and Disability Secretary Kari Bruffett will resign at the end of the year.

Gov. Sam Brownback's office announced the resignation late Monday morning. This is the fourth cabinet-level resignation from the Brownback administration since June.

"Kari has served the citizens of Kansas well in her role," Brownback said in a release. "She has dedicated her career to serving those in need and I am grateful for her service to the State."

The agency manages aging programs, behavioral services and the state's mental health hospitals at Larned and Osawatomie.

Bruffett has been with the Brownback administration since 2011 and was named the agency's secretary in May 2014. She said she was grateful for her time at KDADS.

"I would like to express my gratitude for the opportunity to serve the citizens of Kansas," Bruffett said in the release.

Bruffett will become director of policy for the Kansas Health Institute in early January.

Kansas Commerce Secretary Pat George announced his retirement in July and Brownback's first pick, George Hansen, withdrew his name from consideration in September. Brownback tapped Anthony Soave of Overland Park; he will start in December.

Department of Administration Secretary Jim Clark retired in June.

Kansas Corrections Secretary Ray Roberts will retire at the end of the year.

Daniel Salazar: 316-269-6791, @imdanielsalazar

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