Gary Gant steps into the role of Acting Director of Human Services in Pierce County, a position made official pending Pierce County Council confirmation. With a background notably filled with leadership roles at federal and state levels, Gant is tasked with steering critical human services divisions, such as Behavioral Health, Community Services, and Aging and Disability Resources. Pierce County's announcement detailed his experience in expanding access to behavioral services and housing stability in his former post at the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD).
The new director's resume speaks to a breadth of administrative acumen, including a stint as Deputy Regional Administrator at the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA). There, he not only managed program delivery across a multi-state region but also organized mass vaccination events amidst the throes of the COVID-19 pandemic. Pierce County acknowledges Gant for his work boosting the effectiveness of programs targeting some of the most vulnerable populations, including the disabled, children, veterans, and those combating homelessness.
An academic foundation in biology, business administration, and public health underpins Gant's professional journey, with degrees from the University of the Incarnate Word, Western Governors University, and the University of Washington, respectively. His tenure in decision-making bodies spans several, with his participation in the Puget Sound Regional Council, National Library of Medicine State Advisory Group, and Somali Family Safety Task Force standing out. He's also been involved in collaborations with the Veterans Health Administration and the HUD-VA Supportive Housing (VASH) Program to link veterans experiencing homelessness with essential housing and support services.
Pierce County is prepared to begin a new chapter with Gant's appointment on June 2. In their official statement, they extended gratitude to Helen McGovern for her contributions as Acting Director since the onset of the year, whose leadership and expertise have been instrumental in moving the department forward. Gary Gant is now at the helm, ready to navigate the complex waters of Human Services in Pierce County.
