DHSS SECRETARY ANNOUNCES THE APPOINTMENT OF RENEE BEAMAN AS DIRECTOR OF THE DIVISION OF STATE SERVICE CENTERS

NEW CASTLE (Jan. 15, 2014) - Delaware Department of Health and Social Services Secretary Rita Landgraf announces the appointment of Renee Beaman, founder and executive director of the HIV/AIDS prevention and outreach program Beautiful Gate Outreach Center, as director of the Division of State Service Centers. Beaman will start her new position Jan. 21.

In appointing Beaman, Secretary Landgraf said, "Renee brings a wealth of knowledge about Delaware and a commitment to serving vulnerable individuals. Under her leadership, Beautiful Gate's work in HIV/AIDS prevention and outreach has been innovative, pro-active and compassionate. I know that her enthusiastic spirit and her results-oriented approach will serve the people of Delaware well."

The Division of State Service Centers administers a number of programs and services and operates DHSS' network of 15 State Service Centers - one-stop facilities located across the state for individuals who are accessing government services. More than 700,000 visits are made to the centers each year. The division's programs include services for individuals and families, services and support for communities, and emergency services. The division also administers the State Office of Volunteerism.

Under Beaman's leadership at Beautiful Gate, the center has created more than 25 programs - including HIV testing in the ER at Wilmington Hospital and an on-site medical clinic in partnership with Christiana Care Health System - that serve thousands of Delawareans. Beaman has received numerous awards for her HIV ministry work and is a certified HIV counselor and tester. She was a speaker at the 2012 International AIDS Conference in Washington.

Beaman is a certified pediatric and cardiology registered nurse and is preparing to enter a Doctoral of Ministry program at Payne Theological Seminary in Ohio. She is a member and International and Involvement Committee Co-Chair for the Wilmington Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority and the Health Committee Co-Chair for the National Coalition of 100 Black Women, Delaware Chapter. She was a 2008 inductee of the Hall of Fame of Delaware Women. She is married to the Rev. Dr. Silvester Beaman, Senior Pastor of Bethel AME Church in Wilmington. They have two children and one granddaughter. "I am honored to have this opportunity under this current leadership and firmly believe that the compassionate work of Beautiful Gate, where we assisted people who are marginalized for various reasons, uniquely prepares me for this critical office in DHSS," Beaman said. Secretary Landgraf also thanked Cynthia Manlove, who has served as acting director of the Division of State Service Centers until a director could be found. Manlove will now serve as deputy director.

A photo of Renee Beaman is available on DHSS' flickr page. www.flickr.com/photos/deldhss/11986079453/. For more information about Renee Beaman or to schedule an interview with her, contact Jill Fredel at (302) 255-9047.

Delaware Health and Social Services is committed to improving the quality of the lives of Delaware's citizens by promoting health and well-being, fostering self-sufficiency, and protecting vulnerable populations.