Tuscarawas County JFS director resigns
DOVER – The director of Tuscarawas County Job and Family Services has resigned.
County Commissioners Wednesday morning accepted the resignation of David Haverfield effective that same day. He had led the local JFS since 2015.
Haverfield recently drew the ire of commissioners because of what one of them described as a “budget crisis” at JFS. Commissioners did not address that further at Wednesday’s meeting at the Tuscarawas County Fairgrounds, but member Kristen Zemis offered a statement.
“The action that we have taken today following executive session, I think I speak for the whole board, we feel that it is taken with the best interest of the county and the agency in mind,” she said.
Haverfield posted this on his Facebook page:
“Today I did one of the most difficult things I have ever done. After nearly 25 years, I resigned my position at Tuscarawas County Job & Family Services. I gave everything I had to the children, families, and staff at the agency. I just don’t have any more fight in me. My mental health requires that I do what is in my best interest and that of my family. Those who understand everything already know. A huge shout out to my amazing wife Michele Haverfield who has been my biggest supporter and fiercest advocate. And thank you to my many friends and colleagues who have offered support, kind words and encouragement. I am blessed beyond what I deserve. I look forward to my next great adventure. My passion to help others and improve the lives of our most vulnerable citizens has only grown. I am confident I will find another opportunity to use it to make a positive impact. For now, I fully trust that God has a plan for me and it will come to pass in his time.”
Former JFS director Lynn Angelozzi will serve as interim director. The commissioners approved the hire this week.
“She’s an excellent public servant,” Commissioner Chris Abbuhl said. “We appreciate her willingness to come out of retirement to fill that void.”
Haverfield had been on paid administrative leave since Sept. 5. Commissioners offered few details but did respond to a public records request from WJER.
Listen to WJER Wednesday afternoon for our report on those records.