Governor Nominates Nonprofit and Community Leader with Decades of Experience Supporting Youth and Families
Dr. Harris-Madden Currently Serves as Executive Director of the Westchester County Youth Bureau
Governor Kathy Hochul today 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. DaMiaHarris-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.
State Senate Majority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins said, “Dr. DaMia Harris-Madden is not only a great leader but also a cherished friend. Her tireless dedication to improving the lives of children and families in Westchester County has been nothing short of remarkable. From her many years of public service in Mount Vernon to her role as Executive Director of the Westchester County Youth Bureau, Dr. Harris-Madden has consistently demonstrated her strong commitment to New York’s children and families. Her impact is felt far beyond the confines of her office, leaving a lasting footprint of positive change. We will be fortunate to have her at the helm, steering our efforts toward a brighter future for New York’s Children and Families.”
State Senator Jamaal T. Bailey said, "Dr. DaMia Harris-Madden has dedicated her entire career to uplifting young people and families. She brings a wealth of experience in human services, forward-looking vision, and unwavering dedication that will be critical in meeting the urgent needs of vulnerable youth and families across the state and strengthening the safety net for countless New Yorkers who depend on it. Dr. Harris-Madden's dedicated leadership and years of service as Executive Director of the Mount Vernon Youth Bureau expanding services and supporting Westchester families has been transformative for the communities I represent. I look forward to working alongside Commissioner Harris-Madden in this new role and the Office of Children and Family Services to support their vital work.”
State Senator Shelley B. Mayer said, “I congratulate Dr. DaMia Harris-Madden on her nomination to serve as Commissioner of the New York State Office of Children and Family Services. Dr. Harris-Madden will bring a great wealth of knowledge and experience to this important position from her many years of dedicated service to Westchester County’s youth, families, organizations, and nonprofits. I’ve worked closely with her and have seen first-hand her passion, competence, and commitment to our communities. I’m thrilled by her appointment and have total confidence in her leadership ability."
County Executive George Latimer said, “Westchester County's loss is New York State's gain as Dr. DaMia Harris-Madden steps into this new phase in her career of service. Her decades of experience in nonprofit and community leadership, exemplified by her tenure at the Westchester County Youth Bureau, make her the perfect fit for this critical position helping New Yorkers. Westchester County congratulates her on this well-deserved nomination and we look forward to seeing her dedication and expertise benefit families across the state.”
Youth Shelter Program of Westchester Inc. Executive Director Joanne Dunn said, “Dr. DaMia Harris-Madden encapsulates the essence of being a champion of change for youth development. She is a fierce advocate for the needs and rights of young people and creates a supportive and inclusive environment where they can thrive. Her personal and professional experiences make her the right person to move OCFS to the next level.”