Haslam Appoints Raquel Hatter as Human Services Commissioner

Tennessee Governor-elect Bill Haslam this week announced Dr. Raquel Hatter as Commissioner of the Tennessee Department of Human Services.

Devoting her life to social work, Hatter served the last three years as the President and CEO of Family & Children’s Service, an organization dedicated to improving the lives of families, children and individuals.

Hatter worked for 17 years in Flint, Mich. at the Whaley Children’s Center where she held several clinical and administrative roles from front line practitioner to President and CEO of the center.

“Dr. Hatter is a passionate expert in her field, and I’m proud that she’ll join our team in the new administration,” Haslam said. “She’s shown a dedication to families and children throughout her life, and Tennessee will be served well with her as Commissioner of Human Services.”

She currently serves on the Tennessee Council on Children’s Mental Health, Alliance for Children & Families Public Policy Committee, the National Building Bridges Initiative Cultural and Linguistic Competence Committee and American Association of Children's Residential Centers Board of Directors, among others.

“The state budget and the current economic climate present us with a new normal in which we have to continue to find new ways to ensure efficiency and effectiveness,” Hatter said. “I look forward to working with Gov.-elect Haslam, the administration, DHS staff, community partners and the people of Tennessee in our combined efforts to fulfill the DHS mission.”

Hatter has a Doctorate of Education in Child and Youth Studies from NOVA Southeastern University and a Masters in Social Work from Eastern Michigan University.

Hatter is married to Andre Hatter, and they have a son, Delano, and a daughter, Tiara.