Secretary Howard’s experience includes more than 30 years of government and human service work. She previously worked as a special assistant, deputy secretary, and chief of staff for the former Kansas Department of Social and Rehabilitation Services. She also served as regional administrator for Region VII of the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration within the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Most recently she served as the Director of the KU Public Management Center. Secretary Howard holds a bachelor's degree in public administration from Miami University and a law degree from the University of Kansas.