May 26, 2013
Alabama Mental Health Commissioner Kathy Sawyer will remain in her position in the administration of Governor-elect Bob Riley.
Riley announced Tuesday he is reappointing Sawyer because of what he called her excellent job performance. Riley also said the mental health department had made good progress and had settled a long running lawsuit under Sawyer's watch.
Sawyer is the first black, the first woman and the first Democrat appointed to Republican Riley's cabinet.
Sawyer served for the last four years as commissioner under Democratic Gov. Don Siegelman.
She said she and Riley will be able to work together because they are both concerned about the welfare of Alabama residents with mental diseases or defects.
