Governor Kathy Hochul has announced the nomination of Dr. DaMia Harris-Madden to serve as Commissioner of the New York State Office of Children and Family Services. Dr. Harris-Madden is an experienced nonprofit and community leader who currently serves as Executive Director of the Westchester County Youth Bureau and will take office as Acting Commissioner on April 8.
“My Administration is committed to putting families first, and the Office of Children and Family Services plays a critical role in that effort,” Governor Hochul said. “Dr. DaMia Harris-Madden is a tested, experienced leader who will be an important part of our work to make New York an even better place to raise a family. I’m also grateful for the leadership of Acting Commissioner Suzanne Miles-Gustave, a dedicated public servant who has played an important role at the agency. Her service to New York is greatly recognized and appreciated.”
Incoming State Office of Children and Family Services Commissioner Dr. DaMia Harris-Madden said, “I am deeply grateful to Governor Hochul for entrusting me with the privilege to serve the children, youth, and families of our great state. As we advance the mission of the Office of Children and Family Services, I am committed to leveraging existing partnerships, collaborating across systems, and delivering deliberate, well-led, and efficient services. Together, we will create meaningful opportunities that improve outcomes and enhance the overall well-being of all New Yorkers.”
Dr. DaMia Harris-Madden has spent 20 years working at the intersections of government, education, business and the non-profit sectors. She currently works as Executive Director of the Westchester County Youth Bureau, within the County Executive’s office. She is currently responsible for managing a department that deploys financial and technical resources to hundreds of programs and contractors operated by nonprofit, private and municipal agencies that support children, youth and families within the 46 communities of Westchester County.
Before joining the Westchester County Youth Bureau, Dr. Harris-Madden served in four mayoral cabinets in the City of Mount Vernon where she expanded the city’s services significantly. She has served as a federal and local grant reviewer and a New York State 21st Century Community Learning Centers Program evaluator.
Dr. Harris-Madden has earned numerous degrees, including a B.A. in English and African American studies, a Masters of Business Administration (M.B.A.), a Master of Science in Human Resource Management (M.S. H.R.M.) and a Doctorate in Education and Executive Leadership (Ed. D.). She is a longtime community leader who has served on a number of professional boards.
