The Richland County Children Services Board hired a new executive director Monday afternoon, to replace Randy Parker who left nine months ago after ten years on the job.

Patricia Harrelson comes from Toledo, where she's been working as manager of policies and improvement strategies for Lucas County Children Services.

She also served as deputy director of Guernsey County Children Services.

Harrelson says she was drawn to Mansfield by its quality of life, and by the agency's excellent reputation and staff, which handles a large and often heart-wrenching caseload. 

Twenty-six people applied for the job.  Eleven were interviewed, with the field narrowed-down to three finalists.

Harrelson was given a two-year contract at $90,000 a year.

She starts February 27th.