HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Following a long career as Director of Reno County Youth Services, Bill Hermes announced his retirement, effective December 23, 2020.
Hermes began his career in Reno County in 1989 as the Assistant Director of Youth Services, and has been in the role of Director since 1992. Prior to working for Reno County, he was the Death, Dying and Bereavement Counselor for Hospice of Reno County.
Hermes credits his years of success to surrounding himself with many great people. In his years as director, he hired and retained 42 employees that have accumulated over 600 years of experience. Hermes states, "I will be leaving the Department of Youth Services in very capable hands. I have spent the past several years training and assigning people to the right positions to carry on the successful legacy of the department."
County Administrator Randy Partington noted, "Bill has been a great leader for Reno County, and made Youth Services a model department for others in the State of Kansas. Bill’s leadership along with that of his staff have made positive changes to the lives of the youth that have been served at the detention center and the shelter."
Hermes attended Hutchinson Community College and Fort Hays State University where he earned a bachelor's in Sociology and a minor in Psychology in 1985. He then attained a master's in Counseling from Fort Hays State University in 1987. As for plans post retirement, Hermes hopes to take a few months off to relax before pursuing other interests. A public reception will be planned at a later date.