NV.gov
DHS Leadership
Director
The Director of the Department of Human Services is appointed by the Governor to lead a staff of more than 6,900 employees statewide and manage a biennial budget of more than $16 billion in state and federal funds. In addition, the DHS Director serves in an advisory capacity as a member of the Governor's Cabinet.
Laura Rich
Laura Rich was appointed director of the Nevada Department of Human Services by Gov. Joe Lombardo in December 2025 and began in the role on Jan. 5, 2026.
Laura brings more than a decade of leadership experience in statewide health policy, having previously served in various roles within the Division of Aging and Disability Services, Medicaid, the Silver State Health Insurance Exchange, as well as the executive officer of the Public Employees’ Benefits Program (PEBP). She
most recently worked in senior roles advising health and human services agencies across the western United States. Rich brings extensive expertise in health care administration, strategic planning, and statewide program oversight.
Rich holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from California State University, San Marcos; a Master of Business Administration from Western Governors University; and is a Certified Public Manager. Her career in public service includes extensive experience overseeing statewide health programs, managing complex budgets, guiding policy development, and collaborating with key stakeholders across Nevada’s health and human services system.
Laura grew up in an Air Force family and lived overseas throughout most of her childhood, but she has called Northern Nevada home since 1993.
Deputy Directors
Serving under the Director, DHHS Deputy Directors manage fiscal, personnel, information and other issues affecting the entire department.
Deputy Director, Programs
Position vacant as of 12/31/2025.
Christina Hadwick, Deputy Director - Fiscal Services
Biography in progress.
Ashley Kopp, Deputy Director - Administrative Services
Ashley Kopp is the DHS Deputy Director of Administrative Services. In this capacity, she provides strategic leadership and oversight of the Department’s core administrative and human resources functions, ensuring efficient, compliant, and effective support for DHS programs statewide. A native Nevadan raised in the Carson Valley, Ashley brings nearly two decades of public service experience and is dedicated to ensuring that Nevada’s state infrastructure is efficient, compliant and — above all — focused on supporting the people and communities who rely on it.
Division Administrators
Each DHS division — Aging and Disability Services, Child and Family Services, Public and Behavioral Health, and Social Services, — is led by an administrator who reports to the DHS director.
Aging and Disability Services - Jessica Adams
Click here for details about ADSD leadership.
Child and Family Services - Marla McDade Williams
Click here for details about DCFS leadership.
Public and Behavioral Health - Andrea Rivers
Click here for details about DPBH leadership.