Monica Haskell will take the helm of Chaffee County’s Department of Human Services (DHS) beginning December 5th, 2022.

The Chaffee County Board of County Commissioners, convened as the county Board of Human Services, recently appointed Ms. Haskell as the DHS Director following a months’ long search process to fill the position.

Ms. Haskell brings almost 25 years’ experience in management within the social services realm to the Director role. She most recently worked as the supervisor of Chaffee County DHS’ Child Welfare, Adult Protection Services and Family and Youth Initiatives, the prevention department for Chaffee County. Prior to serving in this capacity for the past 11 years, Haskell provided direct mental health/substance abuse treatment services and housing services for the homeless population in Aurora, Colorado, focusing on the needs of high risk families and adolescents. She holds a Master’s degree in Counseling from Regis University, is licensed as an Addictions Counselor, and is currently completing a Master’s degree in Business Administration from Louisiana State University.

In addition to her work within DHS, Ms. Haskell is a member of many local boards and coalitions including Chaffee Housing Authority, Chaffee County Health Coalition, the Substance Abuse Regional Coalition, Early Childhood Council and the Communities That Care coalition. She also served on the Governor’s statewide board to end homelessness for five years. 

“I look forward to serving the diverse Chaffee County residents as the Director for our Department of Human Services and am eager to strengthen the many community partnerships I have helped build over the past decade within Chaffee County’s family and children’s services areas. We have exceptional cross-functional teams within DHS, with staff who believe very deeply in our mission to advocate and provide for the health and wellness of Chaffee’s residents, and I am honored to be stepping into the department’s leadership position,” shared Haskell.

Dave Henson, who served as Chaffee County’s DHS Director from 2015-2022, passed away in August, 2022, creating the position vacancy.

Chaffee County Director of General Administration, Robert Christiansen, added, “We were grieved to lose Dave as DHS’ Director and do miss him immensely. Monica will bring important continuity to the Director role, having worked with Dave and the whole Chaffee DHS group for so long, while also offering her own fresh energy and strong leadership approach. She will be a great benefit to the next phase of DHS’ strategic management and its service to our community.” Christiansen served as the interim DHS Director from August-November, 2022 following Henson’s death. Christiansen previously served as the Chaffee County DHS Director from 1993-2007.

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Dan R

Danny “Dan R” Ridenour has been in radio and television broadcasting for over 40 years, starting as a senior in high school in Rogers, Arkansas. His radio career has had stops in Nashville, Memphis, Oklahoma, and eventually, Colorado. Dan enjoys being involved in the community, having been a member of the Upper Arkansas Service Club and is currently on the board of directors for the Salida Community Center and is a member of the Chaffee County Fair Committee. He and his wife Carrie spend their days doing everything the mountains have to offer: hiking, camping, fishing and skiing. They've raised 3 children and have 2 grandchildren.

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