Department Leaders

Commissioner

Tikki Brown is responsible for services and policies that facilitate adoption, foster care, child protection, child support, child care and early learning, cash and food support, and youth justice. She focuses on supporting Gov. Walz and Lt. Gov. Flanagan’s stand to make Minnesota the best place for children to grow up while advancing equity and inclusion for the children and families we serve.

Learn more or contact Tikki Brown

Deputy Commissioner

Leah Montgomery supports the development and execution of DCYF’s strategic vision, advances agency-wide objectives, and helps ensure alignment across programs and systems to better serve Minnesota children and families. She leads the agency’s central operating functions, including finance, communications, government relations, strategy and technology, systems change and public engagement.  

 Learn more or contact Leah Montgomery

Assistant Commissioners

Family Well-Being Administration

Dr. Shaneen Moore is responsible for policies and programs that elevate a safety net of resources available to families in Minnesota, including the Minnesota Family Investment Program, the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, emergency assistance, and child support programs.

Learn more or contact Dr. Shaneen Moore

Child Safety and Permanency Administration

Rebecca St. George is responsible for policies and programs that offer vital support for families who provide permanent homes for children through adoption, foster and kinship care arrangements. She also guides the work of the American Indian Wellbeing, African American Child Wellbeing, and Families First initiatives. 

Learn more or contact Rebecca St. George

Economic Opportunity and Youth Services Administration

Kate Weeks is responsible for ensuring support and resources for children and families participating in anti-poverty, food and nutrition, and youth justice programs.

Learn more or contact Kate Weeks

Early Childhood Administration

Bharti Wahi is responsible for policies and programs that streamline and coordinate child care and early learning services to improve outcomes for children, families and the early childhood workforce. 

Learn more or contact Bharti Wahl