JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. (AP) - The director of the Missouri Department of Social Services announced Tuesday that he is resigning to take a job at Saint Louis University.
Ronald Levy has served as the social services director since Gov. Jay Nixon took office in 2009. Before joining state government, he had retired as president and chief executive officer of SSM Health Care in St. Louis.
Nixon's office said Levy's resignation will take effect July 31 but added that Levy will still be available to assist the governor on special projects related to health care.
Starting in the fall, Levy will become executive in residence at the St. Louis University School of Public Health.
Deputy Social Services director Brian Kinkade will serve as acting director during a search for Levy's replacement
The Department of Social Services has more than 7,300 employees and an annual budget of more than $8 billion. It oversees the Medicaid health care program for the poor, the juvenile justice system, foster care and adoption services and public aid programs.
Nixon particularly praised Levy's involvement with Missouri's Medicaid program.
"Medicaid is on firmer financial footing due to system changes and efficiencies that have reduced costs while protecting our core programs and services for the most vulnerable Missourians," Nixon said.