by KHI News Service

TOPEKA — Officials at the Kansas Department for Children and Families announced today that Andrew Wiens has been named the agency’s director of legislative policy.

Wiens, 26, is a former policy analyst with Gov. Sam Brownback’s office. He started at DCF on Monday.

Wiens graduated from Tabor College in Hillsboro in 2011 with bachelor’s degrees in philosophy, history, management and religious studies.

While in the Governor’s Office, his areas included taxes, energy, education and social services.

“I am eager to learn more about the issues of importance to children and families. I look forward to working alongside DCF staff, legislators, community organizations and service providers to help Kansans in need,” Wiens said in a prepared statement.

He and his wife, Kelsey, live in Topeka.

Wiens replaces Michelle Schroeder, who left the agency in January for a job with the Division of Budget.