New Director of OCS Named

September 26, 2011 -- Jeannie Chaffin, a senior program and policy specialist with the National Association for State Community Services Programs, has been selected to be the new director of Administration for Children and Families' Office of Community Services (OCS).

Chaffin will replace Dr. Yolanda Butler, who has been acting director for the past three years.

“From her front-line social service work in Missouri, to her high-level policy work in Washington, D.C., Jeannie brings impressive experience to this new role. Jeannie's management and leadership skills have been demonstrated from the local, to the state, to the national level. And it is fortunate for all of us that she has chosen to apply those skills to helping American families achieve economic security,” said George H. Sheldon, Acting Assistant Secretary for Children and Families, who made the announcement on September 21. Chaffin will begin her duties on October 11.

OCS manages nine grant programs that total $8 billion, including LIHEAP, Community Services Block Grant, Social Services Block Grant and others dealing with food, community development, tribal issues, empowerment zones and job opportunities.

Sheldon added, “I want to thank Yolanda for her important contribution to this agency as OCS Acting Director for the last three years. She provided outstanding leadership to OCS and we are all grateful for her dedication in managing nine highly visible grant programs — including one Presidential initiative — that total $8 billion in services to the American public.”

Source: ACF