ATLANTA – A Hahira native has joined the leadership of the state’s Division of Family and Children Services.

Ashley Fielding Cooper will serve as the agency’s chief operating officer, and in that role, she will oversee the budget, legislative affairs, communications and other administrative support functions.

Previously, Cooper was the director of legislative affairs and communications for the state Department of Human Services. She held that post for the last four years.

Bobby Cagle, who heads DFCS, announced Cooper’s appointment Monday – the same day the changes took effect – in a press release regarding senior leadership changes.

The agency is tasked with finding foster and adoptive homes for children and investigating child abuse, as well as issuing food stamps, Medicaid and other kinds of assistance to low-income families.