DCF Announces New Appointments in Executive Leadership Team
Following the retirement of two longtime leaders, the department passes the torch
TALLAHASSEE—The Florida Department of Children and Families (DCF) announces two new appointments to the executive leadership team. JoShonda Guerrier has been appointed as the Assistant Secretary for the Office of Child Welfare and Jeri Flora Culley has been appointed as the Assistant Secretary for Economic Self-Sufficiency.
“JoShonda and Jeri have been proven leaders on the DCF team and I am thrilled to see each of them begin serving in an increased leadership capacity,” Secretary Mike Carroll said. “As an organization committed to learning and improving to better serve vulnerable Floridians, strong leadership is key to that success and both have demonstrated their commitment to our sacred mission.”
Guerrier has served as the Director of Child Welfare Strategic Projects in DCF’s Office of Child Welfare since May 2014. She joined the then-Office of Family Safety in 2006 and went on to serve as the Northwest Region’s Adult Protective Services Program Manager for five years. She also served as an Abuse Hotline counselor, field trainer, medical social worker, clinical director and adjunct instructor.
She was instrumental in the implementation of the major child welfare reform bill, SB 1666 in 2014, and other major initiatives – earning her tremendous respect among colleagues and partners in the child welfare system.
Culley previously served as the Program Director for Economic Self-Sufficiency, a position she has held twice, first in 2012 and again starting last April. She joined the department in 2007 as the Chief of Quality Management and has also served as the Chief of Policy. In 2013, she accepted an executive leadership position with the Texas Health and Human Service Commission, returning to Florida and the department in 2015.
She began her government career in Missouri, starting as an eligibility worker and departing after serving as Quality Control Director. The varied responsibilities of her prior experience will serve her well as she assumes this vital role for the department and the state.
Guerrier and Culley are succeeded by the retirement of Janice Thomas and Jennifer Lange, respectively. Combined, Thomas and Lange served the department for more than 70 years.
Contact: Michelle Glady, DCF Press Secretary, (850) 717-4450
