Sheila J. Poole joined American Public Human Services Association (APHSA) in January 2023, bringing with her over 35 years of senior leadership experience across non-profit, local, and state government sectors. Her deep expertise spans child welfare, juvenile justice, childcare, and mental health administration.

Before joining APHSA, Ms. Poole most recently served as the Commissioner of the New York State Office of Children and Family Services (OCFS).

Ms. Poole’s tenure at OCFS began in 2007 when she joined as Associate Commissioner in the Division of Child Welfare and Community Services. Recognizing her leadership capabilities, she was promoted to Executive Deputy Commissioner of the agency in 2013. She subsequently served as acting commissioner before her appointment as Commissioner by the New York State Legislature in 2019. Prior to her current role at APHSA, Sheila also served as Chair of the association’s child welfare affinity group, the National Association of Public Child Welfare Administrators (NAPCWA), and was appointed to the APHSA Leadership Council.