About Us
Our team consists of forward-thinking leaders, skilled practitioners, and former Human Services executives, all united in our commitment to solve the everyday issues agencies face.
We prioritize understanding and solving your unique challenges over simply offering predetermined services and solutions. Our approach is to delve deep into identifying the root causes of your concerns, co-create solutions, ensure seamless program execution, and contribute to the achievement of your objectives.
Our commitment is to your success.
Leadership
Managing Partner
Leo has a personal and professional passion for human services and immense appreciation for people in government. Working closely with dedicated staff, agency leaders, and stakeholders, Leo has led service delivery reforms in 28 states and the District of Columbia. These reforms enabled agencies to improve outcomes while navigating obstacles like labor shortages, policy changes, outdated technology, and external pressures. His transformative work has challenged industry norms, contributing to healthier families, safer children, and stronger communities.
Before establishing the Human Services Group, Leo served as Senior Vice President at Change and Innovation Agency (C!A). He also managed Washington State’s public assistance system, overseeing Medicaid, food assistance, child care, employment services, and other safety-net programs for 2 million residents.
Leo Ribas
Kelly Harder
Managing Partner
Kelly is a seasoned professional with an illustrious career dedicated to advancing and leading within the human services sector. With over three decades of hands-on experience, Kelly has served in various pivotal roles, including practitioner, supervisor, manager, and agency director. His comprehensive understanding of all facets of human services has contributed to his success as a dynamic leader.
As a proven senior executive and industry consultant, Kelly has established a track record marked by dynamic, innovative, and strategic leadership. Renowned as a thought leader in the industry, he brings a wealth of knowledge and insights that have left a lasting impact at national, regional, state, county, and local levels.
Director
Dr. Deborah Shropshire (Deb) is a distinguished pediatrician and public servant renowned for her transformative leadership and commitment to improving child welfare. Throughout her career, she has championed innovative initiatives that have strengthened support for vulnerable children and families.
Deb served at Oklahoma Human Services for 10 years, demonstrating impactful and compassionate leadership in roles such as agency Director. During her tenure, she guided the organization through significant transformations, enhancing communication, customer service, and collaboration. As Director of Child Welfare Services and Deputy Director of Community Partnerships, she championed child advocacy and fostered stronger community networks.
As Medical Director of the Pauline E. Mayer Children's Shelter for 14 years, Deb helped create the Fostering Hope Clinic to provide specialized healthcare for children in foster care. Additionally, over her 21 years as a faculty member and Associate Professor of Pediatrics at the University of Oklahoma College of Medicine, Deb played an integral role in shaping the next generation of healthcare professionals through her expertise and dedication. Her contributions earned prestigious honors, including the National Ray Helfer Award for Child Abuse Prevention and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services' Commissioner’s Award.
A firm believer in the Science of HOPE, Deb inspires others with her conviction that the future can be brighter than the present—and that everyone has a role in making that future a reality. Her enduring dedication continues to create meaningful and lasting change in the lives of children and families.
Deborah Shropshire
Jeri Culley
Director
Jeri is a multi-faceted innovator and change agent in health and human services dedicated to helping those who help others. With extensive experience in both the public and private sectors, she has led some of the most complex and high-impact transformations in state government. At her core, she is a strategic planner with a proven track record of designing policies, programs, and technology solutions that drive meaningful agency outcomes. Her efforts have enhanced performance, increased organizational capacity, improved workforce and customer satisfaction, reduced waste, and promoted fiscal responsibility.
Before joining Human Services Group, Jeri led Ernst & Young’s government and public sector Human Services practice. Prior to that, she held leadership roles at all levels of state government including Assistant Secretary for the Florida Department of Children and Families, Associate Commissioner for the Texas Health and Human Services Commission, and Quality Manager for the Missouri Department of Social Services
At Human Services Group, Jeri plays a critical role both externally and internally. Externally she applies her nationally recognized expertise, creativity, and forward-thinking approach to challenge the status quo and provide insights that help states strengthen their organizations. Internally, Jeri's experience managing large organizations ensures our firm's operational efficiency, drive business performance, and support scalable growth.