Bruffett to replace Sullivan as KDADS secretary

Kari Bruffett named new
KDADS Secretary

Gov. Sam Brownback's office announced on Tuesday that Shawn Sullivan, secretary for the Department of Aging and Disability Services will become the new state budget director and Kari Bruffett, currently head of the division of healthcare finance at the Kansas Department of Health and Environment, will step in as the new KDADS leader.

“Kari’s experience with the KanCare program and her ability to forge collaborations will serve the citizens of Kansans well. I am grateful to both Shawn and Kari for their dedication to the state and appreciate their willingness to serve," Brownback said in a prepared statement.

According to KHI News Service, reactions to the staffing changes are mixed, though both Sullivan and Bruffett are generally well regarded by those familiar with the state's two leading Medicaid agencies.

"We are very thankful for Shawn Sullivan's willingness to work so closely with the intellectual and developmental disability community," said Tom Laing, Executive Director for InterHab. "The work done at KDADS often times directly impacts persons with disabilities and the organizations that serve them. We are looking forward to building a close relationship with the new secretary."