Governor Bob Riley on Tuesday, September 10th, announced he has appointed Nancy T. Buckner as Commissioner of the Department of Human Resources. Beginning September 15, Buckner will serve as Acting Commissioner until the seven-member DHR board, which includes Governor Riley as its chairman, confirms the appointment.
Buckner is currently Assistant Director of the Talladega County DHR, where she has served since 1993. During her tenure at Talladega County DHR, she has also served by special appointment as Interim Director of the Calhoun County DHR and as Child Welfare Administrator for the St. Clair County DHR to improve services in those two counties. She also served as the legislative liaison for the state DHR.
"The Department of Human Resources touches the lives of thousands of Alabamians, especially children, and Nancy Buckner is the right person to lead this important agency," said Governor Riley. "A few years ago, Alabama’s DHR was considered a dysfunctional agency. Today, it is recognized as a model for other states to emulate. Nancy Buckner has the experience and the ability to make sure we continue improving DHR’s performance and the quality of its services."
"Serving the clients of the Department of Human Resources over the past 35 years has been a rewarding experience for me," said Buckner. "Today, I am greatly honored and deeply humbled that Governor Riley has asked me to lead this important agency that impacts the lives of so many people. We have a strong team of state and county staff committed to improving the quality of life for our citizens, and I look forward to helping them move forward to enhance services in Alabama."
Buckner will take over the position from Page Walley, who served as DHR Commissioner from Dec. 2003 until Sept.1. Walley left DHR to become Managing Director with Casey Family Programs.
Buckner has been affiliated with several children’s advocacy organizations, including the Talladega County Easter Seals, the Palmer Place Child Advocacy Center, the Alabama Child Support Association and VOICES for Alabama’s Children. She received her Bachelor of Arts degree in Sociology from the University of Alabama at Birmingham.