Department of Social and Rehabilitation Services Secretary Rochelle Chronister today announced the appointment of E. Leon Owens from Kinston, North Carolina as the new superintendent at the Kansas Neurological Institute in Topeka.

Mr. Owens has 20 years of professional experience working with people with developmental disabilities. He is leaving a job as program director at Caswell Center, where about 650 individuals with developmental disabilities are served. He has been with the Caswell Center since 1978, moving up from educational specialist to director of quality assurance and director of professional services before becoming director of program services in 1993.

Secretary Chronister said Mr. Owens brings with him a philosophy that fits well with the movement in Kansas toward a person-centered approach to placement of people with developmental disabilities. His experience at the Caswell Center should serve him well at KNI, she added.

Mr. Owens will start his new job January 1, 1999. He takes over from Bill Brooks, former superintendent at Winfield State Hospital & Training Center, who agreed to come out of retirement to take the position at KNI on an acting basis while a nationwide search took place for a permanent superintendent.

"We deeply appreciate the work Bill did to keep KNI on track while the search took place," said Secretary Chronister.

Connie Hubbell, commissioner of Mental Health and Developmental Disability Services, said she was looking forward to working with Mr. Owens. She said his history indicates he works well with people with developmental disabilities, staff, parents and people from the community.

"He is committed to a person-centered approach, and has a strong commitment to providing services in the community," she said.

Page Last Updated: May 29, 2001