Field Down to Two for DHS Chief

OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) — Two people have emerged as top candidates to become director of Oklahoma's Department of Human Services.

The Oklahoman reports in a copyrighted story that former U.S. ambassador to South Africa Eric Bost and retired Tennessee DHS deputy commissioner Ed Lake will be interviewed this week.

Commissioners are searching for a successor to Howard Hendrick — who resigned as director earlier this year.

The new director will take over an agency that has come under fire in recent years following the deaths of some children in its care. DHS also recently settled a federal class-action lawsuit over alleged maltreatment of children in state care.

Interim Director Preston Doerflinger says he plans to return to his job State Finance director when a new DHS director is found.

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Information from: The Oklahoman, http://www.newsok.com

Copyright 2012 The Associated Press.

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