CCF Welcomes Two Distinguished Human Services Leaders

A Shared Commitment to Human-Centered Service

Kristi Putnam, recently former Secretary of the Arkansas Department of Human Services, and Fariborz Pakseresht, recently former Director of the Oregon Department of Human Services, join CCF as Distinguished Fellows after years of leading efforts to improve services for millions of families. 

Kristi and Fariborz bring deep, real-world experience that will help provide state leaders with steady support, clear guidance, and shared solutions that drive real value for states and the people they serve. 

The two share a long history of collaboration and a common foundation: both began their careers inspired by helping children and strengthening families — and both were key partners for CCF (formerly Center for Public Sector AI) at its inception, serving on our Public Service Advisory Board, a national group of current and former health and human services leaders providing insight on CCF initiatives. 

Lifelong Missions of Transformation

Kristi’s passion for supporting youth began as a teenage camp counselor working with behaviorally challenged children. “Human services became my love,” she reflected. Her experiences led to two decades of work in Florida, Kentucky, and Arkansas, shaping her philosophy of holistic, nonjudgmental service delivery that empowers communities and beneficiaries rather than managing them.

“We’ve seen the harm caused by uncoordinated and judgmental systems. That drove me to focus on transformational, preventive change,” she said.

Fariborz’s commitment to public service was shaped by his parents—his father an Iranian public health professional and his mother a public school teacher. Over 35 years in Oregon state government, he held leadership roles across the Department of Administrative Services, the Department of Human Services, and the Oregon Youth Authority.

At the Youth Authority, he witnessed what he describes as a “transformation in human consciousness” among young people navigating the justice system.

“It was remarkable and deeply moving to witness their capacity for change—young people carrying profound trauma who, when met with steady care, guidance, and support, reconnected with their inner strength and ultimately grew into mentors and counselors to others.”

At the Oregon Department of Human Services, he carried that same belief in transformation to serve over a million Oregonians, advancing systems that build trust and expand access. 

At CCF, Kristi and Fariborz will draw on these lived lessons to pressure-test ideas, surface opportunities, and make sure our initiatives reflect what agency leaders and families actually need—not just what the market is offering.

‍Grounding Technology in Human Outcomes

Both Kristi and Fariborz believe the thoughtful use of technology is essential to transforming public services. As artificial intelligence (AI) reshapes how governments operate, they emphasize human-centered, responsible adoption that enhances—not replaces—human connection.

This gets to the heart of why so many people choose human services in the first place, they note. After decades in this work, they have seen how paperwork and compliance can crowd out connection. Their perspective will help CCF focus on AI that removes friction, supports front line staff, and creates more space for meaningful, person to person support.

They also know that leaders themselves need connection. Having both served at the top of large human services agencies, they understand how isolating the role can be, especially as AI evolves quickly and the questions outpace the answers. 

They see real value in a community where leaders can compare notes, collaborate, and work through hard decisions together in a trusted, shared space. This, in fact, is what drew them to Center for Civic Futures early on as members of CCF’s Public Sector Advisory Board. 

“Center for Civic Futures was born from shared values and trust between leaders,” Kristi explained. “Time has taught us that we must expand beyond borders and collectively focus on the people we serve.” 

For Fariborz, the same idea shows up as a need for honest conversation and collective strength.

“In a complex tech landscape, leaders need safe spaces to connect and leverage collective power,” he said.

For peers navigating rapid change, Kristi offered simple advice:

“Find your resources and lean on them. Don’t be afraid—others are facing the same challenges. There’s no need to reinvent the wheel.”

Taken together, their stories are a reminder that this work is hard, hopeful, and not meant to be done alone. As Senior Advisors, Kristi and Fariborz will help CCF turn lived experience into practical support for leaders who want to use AI to make services work better for people.

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If you would like to stay connected or learn more about what we are building with state partners, send us a note at info@centerforcivicfutures.org

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