FEBRUARY 18, 2015
Governor Doug Ducey announces Department of Child Safety leadership team
PHOENIX - Governor Doug Ducey has announced his leadership team at the Arizona Department of Child Safety (DCS).
The governor has appointed law enforcement veteran Greg McKay to serve as the department's director. McKay has served as chief of Arizona's Office of Child Welfare Investigations (OCWI) since its establishment in 2012. In this role, he leads an office responsible for coordinating with statewide local law enforcement and child safety professionals in the investigation of DCS reports of severe child abuse and/or neglect involving criminal conduct allegations.
"The number one role of government is to protect the people, and there is no priority greater than ensuring the safety of our children. Greg McKay has devoted more than 20 years to that mission," said Governor Ducey. "Whether as a police detective, OCWI chief or as a former foster parent, Greg brings a level of experience, expertise and insight into child safety and law enforcement that is both unique and invaluable. He has a tested history of success in an extremely complex and consequential job, a proven record of transparency and a steadfast commitment to justice and safety. He will be integral in Arizona's ongoing efforts to positively and permanently reform our child safety system."
"I’m honored to have been chosen by Governor Ducey for this important and critical role of protecting Arizona children," Mr. McKay said. "I recognize the enormous responsibility I've been given. I intend to carry it out with the integrity, transparency and commitment required of this position, expected by our citizens and deserved by the children of Arizona."
In addition to serving as OCWI chief, McKay has worked for nearly 20 years with the City of Phoenix Police Department. Since being made detective in 1998, he has been assigned to the Organized Crime Bureau; Street Gang Unit; Crimes Against Children Unit; Fugitive Apprehension Unit; and Homicide Unit. Detective McKay has been named Arizona's Investigator of the Year for his successful track record investigating crimes against children, including solving several high profile child murder cases. In 2013, he was awarded Childhelp USA's Heart of an Angel Award for his child advocacy, investigative expertise and removal of child predators.
Also joining the Department of Child Safety is Vicki Mayo, who will serve as deputy director. Mrs. Mayo has served as vice president of Valor Global Services, a global information technology and services company headquartered in Scottsdale, since 2007. She previously was the owner of Mayo Hotel Management.
Mrs. Mayo has a distinguished background of child advocacy. She has spearheaded several successful community projects benefiting Arizona children, including foster care programs, adoption awareness efforts and early childhood education. In 2013, through a partnership with Aid to Adoption of Special Kids (AASK), Mrs. Mayo started a Sibling Summer Camp program that allows separated foster siblings the opportunity to reunite during a one-week summer camp in Payson.
"Vicki's strong managerial background and exceptional accomplishments on behalf of Arizona youth will be of immense value to the Department of Child Safety," said Governor Ducey. "Her innovative spirit and commitment to child advocacy have spurred meaningful improvement in the lives of Arizona children, and I'm confident she will bring that advocacy to the department."
Mrs. Mayo also has focused efforts on connecting foster children with jobs as they age out of the state system. As founder of Keys to Success - a program through the Arizona Friends of Foster Care Foundation - she works with foster children on career development, education planning and the transition from training into paid jobs. Among the program's successes, Mrs. Mayo has developed a network of companies looking to hire foster children leaving the system. She also volunteers through Children's Action Alliance and is a CASA Advocate, working in the juvenile system on behalf of foster youth that have been abused or neglected.
Governor Ducey also has announced that Major General David Rataczak, former Arizona Adjutant General, will serve the department in a management consultant role.
"Gen. Rataczak brings more than four decades of distinguished service to our state and nation," said Governor Ducey. "As Adjutant General of the Arizona National Guard, he helped sparked momentous growth, prosperity and success in an organization during some of its most complex and challenging times. His experience, management and leadership will be vital in bringing significant reform and lasting improvement to Arizona's child safety system."
Gen. Rataczak served for more than nine years as Adjutant General. Additional experience includes combat service in Vietnam (1966); the deployment of more than 5,000 Guard members in support of Operations Iraqi Freedom and Enduring Freedom; commander during the border mission Operation Jump Start, the largest military operation in Arizona; and president of the Adjutant General's Association (2002-2004).
