The Executive Director of the Mississippi Department of Human Services (MDHS) announced his resignation Wednesday, effective January 14th.

Christopher Freeze was appointed head of the agency by Governor Phil Bryant on August 1st, 2019.  Freeze replaced John Davis who retired late last year.

The press release announcing his resignation stated Freeze had worked toward the mission of helping Mississippians move from a state of crisis to a state of self-sufficiency by utilizing a trauma-informed approach.

“I am grateful to Governor Phil Bryant for appointing me to this position, and for the opportunity to serve the many great men and women at MDHS, and the citizens of Mississippi,” Freeze said. “Over the past five months, working together we have achieved many meaningful and impactful accomplishments and helped set the department on strong footing.”

According to the statement, under Freeze’s leadership, the agency has improved efficiency and effectiveness through several initiatives:

• Increased transparency in the Request for Proposal (RFP) process
• Created an internal committee to evaluate proposals
• Revised the subgrantee manual to provide more controls and oversight over how taxpayer dollars are spent
• Restructured compensation to increase parity

“I have been blessed with a long and fruitful career in public service, and this appointment has been a bright spot in that career,” he said. “My goal is to speak, write, and advocate for our state to become a nationwide example of how being a trauma-informed state can help everyone pursue a healthy, happy, and purposeful life.”

Prior to assuming the position of executive director at MDHS, Freeze had served as Special Agent in Charge of the FBI in Mississippi.

There has been no indication as to who will be appointed to lead the agency once Freeze steps down.