CHICAGO -- Governor Bruce Rauner has selected George Sheldon, 67, as the next Director of the Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS). Sheldon was responsible for the turnaround of Florida's equivalent to DCFS and has been recognized nationally for his work.
Sheldon was the Secretary of the Florida Department of Children and Families from 2008-2011. When he began working for the agency, it was referred to as "the troubled Department of Children and Families." Three years later, a gubernatorial transition report called it the best-run agency in the state. Sheldon expertly weathered $200 million in budget reductions without cutting staff or disrupting services to citizens. He was responsible for a $3 billion budget and workforce of 13,000 employees. Prior to his work as Secretary, he also worked as an Assistant Secretary for Operations.
Most recently, Sheldon worked for the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. President Obama appointed him as the Acting Assistant Secretary for the Administration for Children and Families (ACF), a position he held for more than two years until November 2013. At ACF he was responsible for strengthening the agency's focus on early-childhood education, finding better ways to support children in foster care, and led the first nationwide strategic plan for victims of human trafficking.
Sheldon was a practicing attorney before his work with child and family welfare, working in private practice and for the Florida Attorney General as a Deputy Attorney General for Central Florida. Sheldon was also a member of the Florida House of Representatives from 1974 to 1982. Sheldon earned his bachelor's degree and law degree from Florida State University.
Experience
· Administration for Children and Families - U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Acting Assistant Secretary (2011-2013)
· Florida Department of Children and Families
o Secretary (2008-2011)
o Assistant Secretary for Operations (2007-2008)
· St. Thomas University School of Law, Associate Dean for Student and Alumni Affairs (2003-2007)
· Stiles, Taylor & Grace, Of Counsel (2002-2003)
· Office of the Attorney General - Florida, Deputy Attorney General for Central Florida (1999-2002)
· Sheldon & Cusick, Associates, Managing Partner (1987-1999)
· Levin, Freedman, Hirsch & Levinson, Of Counsel (1983-1987)
· Florida House of Representatives, Member (1974-1982)
Professional and Community Activities
· American Public Human Services Association, Member - National Board of Directors
· Florida State Employees Charitable
· Florida Children and Youth Cabinet, Member
· Governor's Economic Recovery Task Force, Chair of Claims Workgroup
· Florida Human Trafficking Task Force, Co-Chair
Education
· Florida State University, J.D. (1978)
· Florida State University, B.A. (1969)
Personal Life
· Age: 67
· Hometown: Tallahassee, Fla.
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