LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) — The CEO of the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services says he is leaving the agency in mid-December.

Kerry Winterer announced his departure on Thursday. Winterer was appointed by Gov. Dave Heineman in 2009.

Winterer thanked department employees for the services they provide to Nebraskans, and says he was honored to lead the agency. He says his greatest disappointment was the public focus on the department’s shortcomings rather than its successes.

The department has faced criticism in recent years for problems with the child welfare system as well as ACCESS Nebraska, a state-run service that helps Nebraskans apply for and renew public benefits.

Gov.-elect Pete Ricketts has said he will conduct a national search for a new department head.