Barbara Hankey appointed director of public services department
Barbara Hankey has been appointed as Oakland County’s director of public services.
Hankey replaces Mark Newman, who retired in February after spending nearly 8 years in that position. Since 2001, Hankey has served as manager of the county’s community corrections division.
Oakland County Executive Dave Coulter’s appointment of Hankey was approved by the county board of commissioners at their meeting Sept. 30. Coulter informed the board of the appointment in a letter dated Sept. 24.
Coulter said Hankey, who has worked for the county since 1988, brings performance-based leadership to ensure that the county is delivering equitable services to residents and achieving his administration’s strategic goals in public safety and criminal justice reform.
“Her commitment to measurably improving outcomes in community corrections has earned the respect and praise of her colleagues and county officials,” he
said.
Hankey is the first woman to lead the county’s department of public services, which includes the medical examiner’s office, animal shelter and pet adoption center, community corrections, and circuit court probation.
She currently serves as president of the Michigan Association of Community Corrections Advisory Boards and is past president of the Michigan Association of Treatment Court Professionals.
“As manager of the community corrections division, Ms. Hankey has demonstrated a strong commitment to collaboration and innovation that have set her apart as a recognized leader in the field of corrections administration and reform,” wrote Coulter in his Sept. 24 letter. “Her experience and many talents will serve Oakland County well as she takes on this new role.”
The department of corrections has a fiscal year 2021 general fund/general purpose budget around $48 million. Hankey’s annual base salary is between $136,000 and $183,000.