BY STEVE KEMME
The Cincinnati Enquirer
HAMILTON -- The task of implementing Butler County's highly praised welfare reform plan will fall to Bruce Jewett, who was hired Mondayas director of the county's Human Services Department.
County commissioners chose Mr. Jewett to replace Dianne Logsdon, who will retire Aug. 1 after directing the department for 17 years. Mr. Jewett most recently was director of the Mahoning County Child Support Enforcement Agency in Youngstown and has 18 years of experience in human services.
Commissioners chose him from among 50 candidates because of his strong background in administration, Commissioner Courtney Combs said.
"Dianne has come up with a workable welfare reform plan," Mr. Combs said. "We had to hire somebody who is capable of carrying out that plan."
State officials have touted Butler's plan as a model for other counties. The plan is a response to new state laws that restrict the length of time people can spend on welfare.
Mr. Jewett, who lives in Canton, will earn $61,857 a year. He will start Aug. 3.
Although Ms. Logsdon's retirement takes effect Aug. 1, her last day on the job will be July 1 because of accrued vacation time. Mr. Jewett also has been acting state child enforcement director for the Ohio Department of Human Services, director of the Hamilton County Child Support Enforcement Agency and staff attorney for the Hamilton County Department of Human Services.
He earned a bachelor's degree from Ottawa University in Ottawa, Kan., and a law degree from the University of Cincinnati College of Law.
Mr. Combs said Mr. Jewett's familiarity with Greater Cincinnati was another factor that made him an attractive candidate.
