TOPEKA – Kansas Department for Children and Families (DCF) Secretary Phyllis Gilmore announced today the addition of a new deputy secretary.

Chuck Knapp will lead the division of Operations and the newly-created division of Public Affairs.

Knapp most recently served the State of Kansas as Director of Operations and Public Affairs for the Department of Administration. He earlier worked as Communications Director and Senior Assistant for former U.S. Rep. Todd Tiahrt (R-Goddard).

In his new role as deputy secretary, Knapp will provide oversight of DCF’s divisions that include Budget, Grants and Contracts, Property Management, Office of Information Technology Services, Communications, and Legislation/Policy.

Knapp is replacing Greg Harris who served as DCF Deputy Secretary of Operations from January 2011 until December 2013. Harris resigned last month to accept a position with a non-profit organization in Virginia.

Given Knapp’s strong background, Secretary Gilmore added the newly-created division area of Public Affairs to Knapp’s duties. Public Affairs encompasses Communications and Legislation/Policy.

“His leadership in both Operations and Public Affairs will help DCF better serve families and children in Kansas,” Secretary Gilmore said in a news release. “I look forward to working with him to improve efficiencies in the Department and to help us promote the many wonderful things DCF is doing to help people in need.”

Knapp is an Augusta native and a University of Kansas graduate. He and his wife Chelle have four children.