CLEARFIELD – Clearfield County’s Children & Youth Services Department will have a new leader beginning in September.
Current CYS Director Jay Hamilton is leaving his position, and he will be replaced by Leslie Smeal of Clearfield.
Smeal was promoted from casework supervisor to the top leadership position. She has worked within the department for the past 10 years.
Commissioner John A. Sobel, chair, thanked Hamilton for the wealth of experience he brought to the department and his years of service.
“Jay handled some very stressful situations and always kept his wit,” Sobel said. “He served our county well. We wish him all the best in the future.”
Sobel noted that Smeal has been under the tutorage of Hamilton, and the commissioners have the utmost confidence in her abilities to take over one of the county’s most important departments.
Hamilton commended the commissioners for replacing him from within the CYS Department. He said Smeal was a “good choice,” and Commissioner Tony Scotto agreed.
“Being promoted from within, Leslie knows and understands our needs,” Scotto said. “It’s going to be beneficial to the department and the county.”
Smeal thanked the commissioners for the opportunity and expressed excitement to continue her service with CYS in a greater capacity.
