Quinn appoints new human services secretary

Illinois' Department of Human Services has a new leader.

Gov. Pat Quinn named Michelle Saddler to head the department during a news conference Sunday.

Saddler had been director of policy for Quinn's administration. She also served as director of investments for Quinn when he was state treasurer.

Saddler replaces Dr. Carol Adams, who's been named Illinois Representative to Africa in the Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity's Office of Trade and Investment.

Adams had been DHS secretary for six years. Her new position is effective Jan. 1, and until then, she'll serve as a senior adviser to the governor.

The Department of Human Services is one of the state's largest agencies and provides health and prevention services.