About me
Appointed by Governor Kathy Hochul in April 2024, and unanimously confirmed by the NYS Senate in May 2024, Dr. Harris-Madden serves as commissioner of the New York State Office of Children and Family Services (OCFS), leading an agency dedicated to supporting New Yorkers “from twinkle to wrinkle” a reflection of her lifelong commitment to individuals from infancy through older adulthood.
Dr. Harris-Madden is advancing data-informed reforms across child care, child welfare, juvenile justice, and the broad spectrum of human services OCFS provides. She is responsible for leading an agency of over three thousand employees and a budget of over $7 Billion. Under her leadership, the agency is modernizing statewide systems and implementing Governor Hochul’s historic investments to strengthen resources that uplift children, families, and communities.
Dr. Harris-Madden serves on multiple boards including the Juvenile Justice Advisory Group, the Child Care Availability Task Force, the Child Poverty Reduction Advisory Council, and the Youth Research, Inc. Prior to joining Governor Hochul’s administration, she held positions within the cabinets of the Westchester County Executive and four mayors in the City of Mount Vernon, NY. Dr. Harris-Madden holds a B.A. in English and African American Studies, master’s degrees in business administration and human resources management, an Ed.D. in Executive Leadership, and an Honorary Doctorate in Humane Letters.
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