The leader of Nevada’s public health agency is resigning from her position because of the work environment fostered by Richard Whitley, the director of the Department of Human Services,  according to internal correspondence obtained by The Nevada Independent.

In a copy of her resignation letter to Whitley, Division of Public and Behavioral Health Administrator (DPBH) Dena Schmidt wrote that “it has become clear that my leadership is no longer aligned with the direction you envision. Rather than continue in an environment that undermines professional respect and collaboration, I choose to exit with integrity.”

In a separate email sent to her colleagues Friday, also obtained by The Indy, Schmidt said that she “cannot continue to be subjected to intimidation, humiliation and abusive behaviors.” She added that she was “sincerely sorry” to anyone who experienced a meeting held a day earlier. Her email does not go into detail on what happened in the meeting.

“What I experienced yesterday was not the first, but it will be the last for me,” the email said. “Please understand that I need to do this for my own peace of mind and self-dignity.”

She also said that “this was the most difficult decision I have had to make in my career,” and that her colleagues “are the most professional, dedicated, genuine and hard working team I have had the honor to work alongside.”

Schmidt declined to comment.

When reached for comment, Whitley referred to a Monday statement from Shannon Litz, a spokesperson for the Department of Human Services, that confirmed Schmidt’s resignation. The statement also noted that DPBH Deputy Administrator Andrea Rivers will serve as interim administrator.

Schmidt became division administrator in June, but she did not last through the summer, with her resignation effective Sept. 2. Since 2017, she has served as the administrator of the Aging and Disability Services Division, and she began her career with the state in 2001 with the Division of Welfare and Supportive Services in Elko.

Whitley has been one of the most influential health officials in Nevada across the past decade. He was appointed director of the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) — by far the largest state agency — in 2015, and Gov. Joe Lombardo re-appointed him to the role in 2023. 

After the Legislature approved a bill splitting DHHS into two agencies this year, Whitley continued oversight of the Department of Human Services, which includes divisions for services related to public health, aging and disability, children and families.

Whitley has worked for the state since 1986, when he was a senior psychologist for the Nevada Women’s Correctional Facility. He joined DHHS in 1997.