Graduate Reappointed as Secretary of Florida Department of Children and Families

Shevaun Harris (MSW, 2004) is reappointed for a second term as Secretary of the Florida Department of Children and Families (DCF) by Governor Ron DeSantis. As Secretary, Harris has focused on holistic care for families by working to integrate several systems and services.

“Shevaun Harris has done an excellent job serving Florida’s families as Secretary of (DCF)” DeSantis said in a Twitter post on November 28, 2022. “She has fostered innovation and ensured accountability. I look forward to continuing to work with her this upcoming term.”

She was appointed to lead DCF in early 2021 after more than a decade with the Agency for Health Care Administration (AHCA). The department determines Florida residents that qualify for the Medicaid program. Eligibility for Medicated is expected to a focus of priority for Florida following of expiration of the COVID-19 public health emergency protocol.

While with AHCA, Harris served briefly as acting secretary and served as assistant deputy secretary for Medicaid Policy and Quality from 2017-2020. She spearheaded negotiations on multi-million-dollar contracts and implemented quality improvements at the agency.

The AHCA oversees the state’s multi-billion-dollar Medicaid program and regulates over 40,000 Florida health facilities.

She earned a Master of Business Administration from Quinnipiac University and is a two-time graduate of Florida State University, with a Master of Social Work degree and a bachelor’s degree in psychology.

Learn about the latest Florida DCF updates.