For Immediate Release:
September 9, 2019

Media Contacts: 
Amy Webb
Chief of Communications
[email protected]

Marci Manley
Deputy Chief of Communications
[email protected]

Sharum Named Director of the Division of Provider Services and Quality Assurance

(LITTLE ROCK, Ark.) – The Department of Human Services (DHS) announced today that DHS Deputy Counsel Jerry Sharum has been tapped to oversee the Division of Provider Services and Quality Assurance (DPSQA), which is responsible for certification, licensure, surveys, and inspections. 

"Jerry is extraordinarily smart and an extremely hard-worker who has shown that he can get the job done and get it done well," DHS Secretary Cindy Gillespie said. "He knows DHS, understands policy, and is comfortable working with federal officials and stakeholders, all of which are incredibly important in this role."  

In addition to certification, licensure, surveys, and inspections, DPSQA handles provider training and education and promotes workforce development. 

Sharum has been serving as Deputy Counsel for DHS's Office of Chief Counsel (OCC) since 2016. Before that, he served the department as an appellate attorney who oversaw the attorneys handling child welfare and adult protective services as well as support staff and supervisors.

“DPSQA has a very knowledgeable staff that knows how to get the job done,” Sharum said. “I look forward to working with them and all the providers across the state.

Sharum starts as DPSQA Director on Sept. 9. He is replacing Craig Cloud, whose last day in the position was Friday. Cloud left for the private sector. 
 

###