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Interview of Barbara Sabol, January 14, 2022

Interviewed by Joan Wagnon
Interview Description

The former Secretary of Aging and Health and Environment under Governor John Carlin describes herself first and foremost as a nurse. That nursing background propelled her into high level positions in the local, state and federal government, always asking how her actions affected the children and the people she served. She started out in leadership positions in Kansas government and academia before being appointed Secretary of Aging by Governor John Carlin. She worked with advocates to establish the Silver-haired Legislature. She worked for Mayor Marion Barry in Washington DC in his office of Policy and Planning in the Department of Human Services. Carlin asked her to return to Kansas as Secretary of Health and Environment where she quickly established a reputation as a problem solver for tough issues such as the permanent closure of a waste dump in Furley that leaked toxic chemicals. Sabol talks candidly about the challenges she faced as an African American and a woman and how she met those challenges. The interview concludes with her describing her latest project, housing for young adults who have aged out of the foster care system.

Interviewee Biographical Sketch

Barbara Jane Watkins born on June 12, 1938, in Kansas City, Mo. She received bachelor's and master's degrees from the University of Missouri in Kansas City and her nursing certification from the Kansas City General Hospital and Medical Center School of Nursing. She holds an MA in counseling and guidance, and a BA in psychology. She is the mother of two daughters. Sabol served as president of the University Research Corporation, a for-profit multi-disciplinary firm providing training and health education, Executive Deputy Commissioner of New York Department of Social Services, and Secretary of the Kansas Department of Health and Environment and Secretary of the Kansas Department on Aging. Sabol also worked for 13 years as a program director for the W.K. Kellogg Foundation.

Interviewee Positions

Program Director, W.K. Kellogg Foundation
Director, Division Services to Children and Youth 1974-1979
Secretary, Department for Aging and Disability Services (KDADS) 1979-1981
Secretary, Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) 1983-1986
Deputy Commissioner, New York Department Social Services 1987-1995
Member, AARP National Policy Council 2012-2016

Interview Location

Topeka, KS

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