Robin Arnold-Williams, one of the nation's longest-serving human services directors, resigned quietly last week, saying her goodbyes in a short e-mail to staff on the day before state offices closed for the New Year's holiday.

"It has truly been an honor to serve in this position under such supportive governors as Michael Leavitt and Olene Walker. Most importantly, I have been privileged to serve with each of you," wrote Arnold-Williams. "You carry out some of the most difficult actions that government is called upon to do and you do it with professionalism and compassion."

Colleagues say the absence of fanfare in no way reflects an absence of respect for Arnold-Williams, whose accomplishments were many. The low-key farewell was "pure Robin," they say, and probably in deference to new Gov. Jon Huntsman Jr., who was inaugurated Monday and will announce Cabinet changes Wednesday.

Huntsman has temporarily appointed as acting human services director Ron Stromberg, who worked under Arnold-Williams as associate director of aging and adult services.

Arnold-Williams, 48, said Monday that she told Huntsman's transition team in mid-November it was probably time for a change in leadership.

"I just don't do this kind of thing very publicly," she said.

As human services director, Arnold-Williams oversaw about 5,200 employees, a $560 million budget and dozens of government assistance programs benefiting the elderly, abused and neglected children, substance abusers, the poor, youthful offenders and others.

She was respected nationally as a bright and energetic spokeswoman for her field, testifying before Congress on the changing state of welfare and serving as vice president of the American Public Human Services Association (APHSA).

"The thing that stands out about Robin is her high standards. She consistently reminds us who we serve. You truly aspired to better yourself because of the example she set," said Marie Christman, Human Services deputy director.

Speculation is high that former Utah Gov. Leavitt, if confirmed as U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary, will tap Arnold-Williams to join him in Washington, D.C. Arnold-Williams is tight-lipped about her plans, saying only that she enjoys living in Utah, is weighing options and will make some decisions over the next two weeks.

"It's my profession, but it's also my passion," she said of her desire to stay in social services and policy-making.

"She's really one of the superstars in our industry. I'm sure she will continue to contribute in many ways," said APHSA director Jerry Friedman.

Much of the credit for Leavitt's key accomplishments - overhauling Utah's foster care and welfare systems - rests with Arnold-Williams.

Under Leavitt, she inherited a lawsuit filed in 1993 alleging that Utah's foster care system was so mismanaged it violated the constitutional rights of every child in state custody. The lawsuit was settled, leading to massive reforms that continue to drive the budget and operations of child welfare in Utah.

"Robin really pushed outcomes, and figured out ways to measure intangibles and aspire to excellence," says Christman.

Raylene Ireland, who last week resigned as Workforce Services director, says she is indebted to Arnold-Williams for helping to consolidate the state's jobs program from six separate agencies into a one-stop welfare shop for struggling Utahns.

"If there was someone who had the opportunity to play the poisonous pill, it could have been Robin," but she championed the consolidation knowing it would substantially alter funding and business-as-usual, Ireland says.

"Her good will and her energy never faltered."

Arnold-Williams, a Michigan transplant, moved to Utah in 1978 to ski and go to college and "got hooked."

She has logged 24 years working for the state. While working her way up the human services ladder she earned a graduate certificate in gerontology and master's and doctoral degrees in social work from the University of Utah. She shares a home in Park City with her husband, John.