Dr. DaMia Harris-Madden was confirmed as commissioner of the New York State Office of Children and Family Services in May 2024, after serving as acting commissioner since April 2024. As the agency's commissioner, she plays a pivotal role in shaping OCFS policy to achieve its mission of promoting the safety, permanency and well-being of our children, families and communities.
Dr. Harris-Madden has spent more than 20 years working for community and government organizations serving youth and families. In her previous position, she served for six years as the Westchester County Youth Bureau's executive director, managing the financial and technical resources deployed to hundreds of programs operated by nonprofit, private, and municipal agencies that support children, youth and families in Westchester County. She was responsible for piloting mental health services within after-school settings and partnering with the medical and business sectors to create a myriad of opportunities, including the Youth Med-tech Conference, Invest in Kids Fest, and tobacco prevention initiatives. She also revamped the request for proposal processes and steered a county-wide youth needs assessment.
Before joining the Westchester County Youth Bureau, Dr. Harris-Madden worked for 14 years for the City of Mount Vernon, where she served in multiple positions including executive director of the Mount Vernon Youth Bureau. During her time at Mount Vernon, she became known for her expertise in grant writing and for significantly expanding city services for children and youth. Key achievements include establishing free after-school programs, implementing crime prevention measures, creating numerous job and training opportunities, promoting entrepreneurship, and initiating violence prevention efforts. She previously served as an assistant program director of the Urban League of Westchester County. As a consultant, she conducted program evaluations, provided technical assistance to federal grantees, and served as a grant reviewer for multiple organizations, including the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.
Dr. Harris-Madden holds a doctorate in education and executive leadership from St. John Fisher University, master's degrees in business administration and human resources management from Mercy College, and bachelor's degree in English and African American studies from the State University of New York at Albany.
Nina Aledort, Ph.D. Deputy Commissioner, Division of Youth Development and Partnerships for Success
Dr. Nina Aledort is the deputy commissioner of the Division of Youth Development and Partnerships for Success with the New York State Office of Children and Family Services. She has been a practitioner and policy maker for more than 25 years with a focus on improving outcomes for youth with significant vulnerabilities, using positive youth development and gender-responsive frameworks and harm reduction. Areas of expertise include LGBTQ, runaway and homeless, trafficked, incarcerated/court-involved youth.
Dr. Aledort focuses on key policy challenges at the intersection of child welfare, juvenile justice, child sex trafficking and runaway and homeless youth, and on disparate impacts. She is a founding co-chair of the NYS Partnership for Youth Justice, has authored several peer-reviewed articles and has presented nationally and internationally. She has an M.S.W. from Hunter College School of Social Work, City University of New York, and a Ph.D. in social welfare from the Graduate Center of the City University of New York.
Tonya Boniface Deputy Commissioner for Human Resources
Pronouns: She/Her/Hers
Tonya Boniface has been serving as associate commissioner for Human Resources with the New York State Office of Children and Family Services since October 2021. She directs, manages and supervises six comprehensive human resource programs, including the Bureau of Personnel, Bureau of Labor Relations, Bureau of Training and Development, Special Investigations Unit, Agency Emergency Preparedness and Health and Safety, with approximately 150 staff providing services to approximately 3,000 employees.
Ms. Boniface has a bachelor's degree in education from the College of Saint Rose. She began her career with New York State in 2003 at the Department of Labor, and in November 2006, she began working for OCFS' personnel office. Ms. Boniface has remained within the Office of Human Resources at OCFS ever since.
Working in the public service for more than 30 years, she was previously in the nonprofit sector, and for the last 15 years, she has shown a dedication to OCFS, as well as the Human Resources team.
Thomas Brooks Deputy Commissioner of the Office of Strategic Planning and Policy Development
Thomas Brooks was appointed deputy commissioner for Strategic Planning and Policy Development in November 2014. He oversees the agency's policy and research, evaluation and performance analytics bureaus. Mr. Brooks manages policy implementation of federal and state laws, including Family First, issues administrative directives to local agencies, guides development of policy and data tools, and serves as liaison to federal agencies.
Mr. Brooks previously served as assistant counsel in the Office of the New York State Governor, where he managed a nine-agency legal portfolio in human services and conducted legislative negotiations. He helped develop, draft and negotiate cyberbullying in schools legislation that became law.
In Washington, D.C., he was a staff member of the U.S. House Select Committee on Children, Youth and Families and a senior policy analyst at the Child Welfare League of America. He began his career as a juvenile court investigator in Connecticut and was director of policy for the Connecticut Commission on Children and legislative director for a New York State Assembly member. He has authored several national articles on children's policy.
Mr. Brooks received a bachelor's degree and a master's in divinity from Yale University and a law degree from Cornell University. He is a member of the New York State Bar.
Linda J. Cohen Executive Director of the New York State Commission on National and Community Service
Sharon Devine Deputy Commissioner for Administration
As OCFS's deputy commissioner for administration since October 2022, Sharon Devine leads the Office of Administration, including the Bureau of Budget Management, Bureau of Financial Operations, Bureau of Contract Management, Office of Agency Performance Management, Bureau of Management Services, Bureau of Capital Projects and Bureau of Information Technology Management.
Ms. Devine has extensive senior leadership experience in state government and most recently served as deputy commissioner for administration for the New York State Office for People with Developmental Disabilities (OPWDD).
She also worked as the executive deputy commissioner for the New York State Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance, overseeing day-to-day operations for a range of the state's most important programs for low-income residents while also providing leadership, guidance and support.
In addition, Ms. Divine held several pivotal positions within New York State Housing and Community Renewal, including deputy commissioner for administration, president of the Office of Professional Services, director of financial administration and chief of the Budget and Contract Unit.
She holds a master's degree in public finance from Atlanta University in Georgia and a bachelor's degree from California University in Pennsylvania.
Gail Geohagen-Pratt Deputy Commissioner for the Division of Child Welfare and Community Services (CWCS)
Gail Geohagen-Pratt is the deputy commissioner for the Division of Child Welfare and Community Services (CWCS) effective September 2023. As Deputy Commissioner of CWCS, Ms. Geohagen-Pratt oversees the state's child welfare programs, including child protective services, foster care and adoption as carried out by 58 local departments of social services and voluntary agencies. She oversees, the operation of six regional offices, and 13 Bureaus within five Offices, including the bureaus that manage the community services of domestic violence prevention, adult services, and Native American services.
Improving outcomes for children and families is of primary concern for Ms. Geohagen-Pratt, especially for communities that are challenged with racial and economic disparities. The desire to help change the Child Welfare system to a system of Child and Family Well-Being is a primary mission for Deputy Commissioner Geohagen-Pratt.
Ms. Geohagen-Pratt brings an extensive background in child welfare to this leadership role. Ms. Geohagen-Pratt joined OCFS in February 2020, serving as an Associate Commissioner for CWCS. Ms. Geohagen-Pratt was part of a dynamic team that implemented key aspects of Family First legislation as well as innovative pilot programs such as the Direct Cash Transfer and Mobile Response Vans.
Prior to joining OCFS, Ms. Geohagen-Pratt gained diverse experience working in community-based organizations and in county government for nearly 20 years. Starting as a case worker, Ms. Geohagen-Pratt worked in various capacities and positions of oversight culminating in the appointment of Commissioner of Albany County Department of Children, Youth and Families.
Ms. Geohagen-Pratt holds a bachelor's degree in English from SUNY Albany.
Norman Hall Deputy Commissioner, Division of Juvenile Justice and Opportunities for Youth
Norman W. Hall was appointed deputy commissioner for the Division of Juvenile Justice and Opportunities for Youth (DJJOY) in August 2024. Mr. Hall has extensive experience in the criminal justice field and previously spent 25 years with the Greenburgh Police Department in Westchester County.
Mr. Hall began his career as a police officer for the Greenburgh Police Department, worked his way up through the ranks and was eventually promoted to lieutenant in 2021. He is experienced in all aspects of law enforcement, including the patrol division, the street crime unit, and the community affairs unit. He is also trained in homicide investigation, internal affairs and interrogation skills and is a defensive tactics instructor.
While working in the community affairs unit, he focused on reducing crime and improving the quality of life for residents by implementing neighborhood-based services, community partnerships and conflict resolution. Mr. Hall was also responsible for working on restorative justice initiatives, developing local initiatives for youth, and partnering with the “Hope Not Handcuffs” initiative – a collaboration between law enforcement and community organizations to find viable options for individuals seeking substance abuse treatment.
In his leadership role at OCFS, Mr. Hall oversees New York State’s juvenile justice system, which serves youth up to age 21, and supervises all DJJOY residential and community treatment programs for court-placed youth. These include secure centers, limited secure centers, a non-secure center and aftercare services.
Mr. Hall is committed to leading the ongoing reform of the juvenile justice system. He is also dedicated to developing and implementing policies and practices that will enhance the lives of young people in the care of DJJOY and help encourage their positive development.
Mr. Hall earned a Juris Doctorate from the Elisabeth Haub School of Law at Pace University and a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice from Monroe College.
Julie Hovey Associate Commissioner, Commission for the Blind
Pronouns: She/Her/Hers
Ms. Hovey has worked at the New York Office of Children Family Services – Commission for the Blind since 2000. As an associate commissioner, she is responsible for overseeing the Commission's vocational rehabilitation, older blind, Business Enterprise Program, Children's Services and independent living programs.
Beginning as a vocational rehabilitation trainee and most recently as an associate vocational rehabilitation counselor, Ms. Hovey's duties over the past 20 years have included managing the Commission's quality assurance and providing support to the Business Enterprise Program. With a bachelor's degree in public justice and a master's degree in rehabilitation counseling, she is also a certified rehabilitation counselor.
Ms. Hovey represents OCFS at the Most Integrated Setting Coordinating Council (MISCC), which works to ensure that New Yorkers of all ages with physical, intellectual, developmental and mental disabilities receive care and services in the most integrated settings appropriate to their individual needs.
She enjoys spending time with her son, Jason, who attends Fordham University.
Christoper Schall Director of Audit and Quality Control
Christopher Schall was appointed director of audit and quality control for OCFS in February 2024. He brings a diverse background and experience in the field of audit and quality control.
Most recently, Mr. Schall worked as an auditor for Saratoga County, where his responsibilities included monitoring, reviewing and approving accounting records and preparing the budget and the capital improvement plan.
Mr. Schall has prior experience working for New York State. In 2005, he was hired by the New York State Office of the Comptroller as a state program examiner for the contract audit team. In this role, Mr. Schall audited contracts made between state agencies and outside vendors in order to prevent fraud and waste and identify possible risks.
In 2016, he moved to the vendor management team as a state expenditure examiner working on the Comptroller’s e-invoicing initiative and new software rollouts in the Statewide Financial System.
Mr. Schall has a master’s degree in public administration from Marist College and a bachelor’s degree in marketing management from Siena College.
Emily Steinbach Chief of Staff
Emily Steinbach was appointed chief of staff in the OCFS Executive Office in December 2022. She performs project management for internal and external projects; serves as primary liaison to the Governor's Office on agency assignments; prepares research and background in advance of special events; oversees the executive office support team; and manages the Agency's portfolio of boards and appointments.
Ms. Steinbach is essential in representing the Commissioner's Office on workgroups and often serves as project lead for major initiatives. She holds a master's in public administration from Rockefeller College of Public Affairs & Policy, as well as a bachelor's degree in economics from Smith College.
Ms. Steinbach was a Women & Public Policy fellow at the Center for Women in Government & Civil Society assigned to the New York State Office of Mental Health where she assisted with the New York State Behavioral Health transition to managed care and other behavioral health initiatives.
Following her post-graduate career, Ms. Steinbach was awarded the Excelsior Service Fellowship, was placed at the New York State Department of Health, and stayed after the fellowship ended. She worked in Medicaid on policy design and implementation, running large stakeholder workgroups, project management and more.
Ms. Steinbach has over a decade of experience in healthcare and human services. Before joining OCFS, Ms. Steinbach was a senior contract negotiator with the Capital District Physicians Health Plan (CDPHP) and started her career working at Albany Medical Center (AMC).
Jill Swingruber-Sprotbery General Counsel and Deputy Commissioner for the Division of Legal Affairs
Jill Swingruber-Sprotbery was appointed as the OCFS General Counsel and Deputy Commissioner for the Division of Legal Affairs in September 2023. Ms. Swingruber-Sprotbery previously spent seven years at OCFS as deputy counsel from 2012 to 2019, when she left to accept a position as a court attorney-referee for the New York State Unified Court System.
In her previous position as OCFS deputy counsel, Ms. Swingruber-Sprotbery oversaw four legal bureaus comprised of about 20 attorneys and provided legal advice in several areas including state and federal litigation, daycare enforcement, Family Court Act Article 3 proceedings, employment law, protected class litigation, and juvenile justice policy.
As General Counsel, Ms. Swingruber-Sprotbery oversees the Division of Legal Affairs, which provides support and legal guidance to every division within OCFS, and she leads the legal division in the development of mission-critical legislation.
Prior to joining state service, Ms. Swingruber-Sprotbery worked as an attorney in the private sector and at Albany Law School where she supervised student attorneys representing litigants in family court and oversaw community and professional education regarding domestic violence and court practice. She also worked as a court attorney, supervising attorney, principal law clerk and court attorney-referee in the New York State Unified Court System with the Supreme Courts, Court of Claims, Appellate Division Third Department and Third Judicial District.
Ms. Swingruber-Sprotbery earned her bachelor's degree from SUNY Geneseo and her Juris Doctor from Seattle University School of Law. She is the proud mom of two young adults, Emma and Nate; and wife, partner and friend of Kent Sprotbery.
Vanessa Threatte Executive Director, Council on Children and Families
Nora Yates Deputy Commissioner, Division of Child Care Services
Pronouns: She/Her
Nora Yates is the deputy commissioner in the Division of Child Care Services and is responsible for overseeing all aspects of New York's early care and education system supported by the Child Care Development Fund (CCDF), which currently includes more than $2 billion in federal funding. The division also oversees all federal training requirements for early childhood providers supported by CCDF, provider health and safety and quality compliance, state licensing and regulations and the child care assistance program to support families accessing care, and regularly collaborates with a wide variety stakeholders on key priorities related to children and families.
Previously, Ms. Yates served as the director of the Center for Community Health at the New York State Department of Health where she oversaw more than $2 billion in state and local funding that supported key public health programs, including chronic disease prevention, communicable disease control, family health and nutrition.
During the COVID-19 pandemic response, she led the creation and stand up of the state Contact Tracing Initiative, the largest contact tracing program in the country, and also directed the COVID-19 testing sites and testing initiatives. Before joining the Department of Health, Ms. Yates served as the Governor's assistant secretary for human services and the director of the Community, Opportunity, Reinvestment (CORe) Initiative, where she worked to align state and local agencies on a common framework to examine key issues in distressed communities. Ms. Yates joined the State as part of the inaugural class of Empire Fellows, one of nine individuals selected to serve in policy-level positions throughout Executive agencies.
Before joining the state, Ms. Yates served as the executive director of the Pride Center of the Capital Region and worked at the Empire State Pride Agenda as field director leading New York's marriage equality effort. She earned bachelor's and master's of arts degrees at the State University of New York at Albany, a master's in public administration from the Sage Graduate School and a master's in women's studies and public policy from the University at Albany.
