Kathryn Ptak will assume top job on Monday as Hobbs’ 3rd director in 2 years. Deputy director David Lujan is leaving.
PHOENIX — Gov. Katie Hobbs has appointed an insider at the Arizona Department of Child Safety as the agency’s new director.
Kathryn Ptak, DCS’ top lawyer, will take the reins on Monday, Hobbs’ communications director confirmed.
Hobbs was forced to demote former director David Lujan last year after losing a court case over her handling of agency appointments.
Lujan’s last day is Jan. 31. He has been hired as executive director of the Arizona School for the Arts.
Ptak is DCS’ third director in Hobbs’ two full years in office. The job is one of the toughest in state government, charged with protecting Arizona’s most vulnerable children.
Ptak, a lawyer by training, has served as DCS’ general counsel since May 2023. She has also served as deputy general counsel and legislative liaison. Ptak was also DCS’ lawyer while working in the Arizona Attorney General’s Office.
In an email Friday to DCS staff that was obtained by 12News, Ptak said: “I understand change can be scary. I want all of you to know that I will use my role as director to advocate for what you need to be successful. For nearly 10 years with this agency, I have personally witnessed the the dedication and the sacrifices you make every day serving Arizona’s children and families.”
In recent months, the agency has faced questions about how well it protects caseworkers, after a man recorded his violent assault of a DCS employee at an agency office in Mesa.
Ptak will have to be confirmed by the Republican-controlled state Senate.
The Senate gatekeeper for confirmations, Republican Sen. Jake Hoffman, has proved to be hostile to several of the governor’s appointees.
Nineteen of Hobbs’ agency appointees await confirmation during the new legislative session that started this week.
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