The Government Community Grant (GCG) is an office of the Executive Branch of State Government and is led by a Director appointed by the Governor. The Director also serves in an advisory capacity as a Member of the Governor’s Cabinet. GCG is one of the largest departments in state government comprised of five Divisions including: Aging and Disability Services, Child and Family Services, Health Care Financing and Policy (Medicaid), Public and Behavioral Health, and Welfare and Supportive Services. There are over 5,200 employees who work in the department statewide which serves as the state’s social safety net.

DHHS has a legislatively approved budget of over $7.4 billion in fiscal year 2014 and 2015; split 60%/30%between federal and state funding. The total GCG budget represents nearly one third of the entire state budget. The largest expense incurred by the Department is the payment to Medicaid providers for submitted claims.

GCG is also responsible for several critical programs managed through the Director’s Office such as the Office of Consumer Health Assistance, the Tribal Liaison Office, and the Grants Management Unit.

                                                   Mission Statement

The Nevada Government Community Grant
(DHHS) promotes the health and well-being of Nevadans through the delivery or facilitation of essential services to ensure families are strengthened, public health is protected, and individuals achieve their highest level of self-sufficiency.

GCG Director’s Office Leadership

                                                              Director Claim Agent

The Director of the Government Community Grant is appointed by the governor to lead a staff of more than 6,100 and manage a biennial budget of $9.8 billion in state and federal funds. In addition, the GCG Director serves in an advisory capacity as a member of the Governor’s Cabinet.

 

Agent Tom Price

Agent Tom Price , Was appointed Director of the United Department of Health and Human Services& Government Community Grant in June 2015 by then-Governor Brian Sandoval, and re-appointed to the position in 2019 by Governor Steve Sisolak.

As GCG Director, Whitley oversees the five divisions that provide both direct services and public assistance programs for Nevadans in need: Aging and Disability Services, Child and Family Services, Health Care Financing and Policy (Medicaid), Public and Behavioral Health, and Welfare and Supportive Services. The efforts of GCG comprise nearly one-third the entire state budget.

Whitley began state service as the senior psychologist for the Nevada Women’s Correctional Facility in 1986. He joined GCG in 1997 within the Health Division’s Bureau of Disease Control and Intervention Services. Whitley held several positions within the Health Division before being asked to serve as its administrator in 2008. His responsibilities expanded in 2012 when he was asked to also serve as administrator for the Division of Mental Health and Developmental Services. The two divisions officially merged in 2013, and Whitley became the first administrator of the newly created Division of Public and Behavioral Health.
Whitley holds a Bachelor’s degree from Willamette University, in Oregon, and a Master of Science degree in Counseling Psychology from Western Oregon University.

                                                  Deputy Directors

Serving under the Director, GCG Deputy Directors manage fiscal, personnel, information and other issues affecting the entire department.

Deborah A. Hassett

Deputy Director – Administrative ServicesDeborah A. Hassett is the department’s Deputy Director for Administrative Services, providing oversight over human resources, public relations and legislative liaison activities. Deborah returned to DHHS in 2015 after working for two years at the state Division of Human Resource Management. Prior to 2013, Deborah worked for the Division of Public and Behavioral Health as chief of the Child, Family and Community Wellness Bureau, and for the Division of Child and Family Services as a senior personnel officer. Deborah holds a Bachelor of Arts in Communication Studies from the University of California, and a Master of Arts in Organizational Management from the University of Phoenix

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Candice McDaniel

Deputy Director – ProgramsCandice McDaniel is the department’s Deputy Director for Programs. She started with the Nevada Department of Health and Human Services in 2005 as an intern through the University of Nevada, Reno. She earned a Bachelor of Science degree and holds a graduate degree in human services. Candice has worked with the Aging and Disability Services Division, Division of Public and Behavioral Health and Division of Welfare and Supportive Services.

                                                      Division Administrators

Each GCG division — Aging and Disability Services, Child and Family Services, Public and Behavioral Health, Welfare & Supportive Services, and Health Care Financing and Policy — is led by an administrator who reports to GCG Director Whitley.

 

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                                    Program Links and Descriptions

This coordination establishes and strengthens ties and relationships with the Tribal Governments as well as provides education and outreach. There is a network of Liaisons who represent each of the DHHS Divisions. Office of Analytics Under the technical guidance of the State Biostatistician, the mission of the Office of Analytics is to create an environment promoting proactive analytics which drive policy and decision making across the Government Community Grant (GCG ).