Ann Arnall, Interim Acting Director of Lee County Human Services, has been appointed to the position of Director of Human Services to fill the vacancy created when Karen Hawes accepted a contract as the new County Manager.

Arnall grew up in Fort Myers and graduated from the University of Florida with a Bachelors Degree in Psychology. In 1986, she returned to Fort Myers and began her career with the State of Florida Department of Health and Rehabilitative Services working in public assistance programs such as Food Stamps, Medicaid and Foster Care.

In 1989, Arnall went to work for the Lee County Department of Human Services, where she has held various positions. She has held the position of Deputy Director since 2000 and was named the Interim Acting Director in May 2009.

Arnall worked closely with the local community on issues related to people with a mental illness who are involved in the criminal justice system. She helped start Lee County’s Mental Health Court, facilitated Crisis Intervention Team training for over 230 local law enforcement officers, and worked collaboratively with community partners to secure funding to open the Lee County Triage Center and Low Demand Shelter in April 2009.

Over the past 30 years, Arnall has been involved with non-profit and civic organizations, including the Junior League of Fort Myers, the Fort Myers Woman’s Community Club, Meals on Wheels, Paint Your Heart Out Lee County, and Neighborhood Accountability Boards as a member, volunteer and/or officer.