Biography of Joan E. Ohl
Commissioner of the Administration on Children, Youth and Families
Administration for Children and Families
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services
Joan Eschenbach Ohl was nominated Commissioner of the Administration
on Children, Youth and Families (ACYF) in the Administration for
Children and Families (ACF) on June 30, 2001, confirmed by the United
States Senate on January 25, 2002, and sworn in on February 6, 2002.
As Commissioner, Ohl oversees the federal programs that support vital
services for children and families, including services for promoting
positive growth and development, protective services and shelter for
children and youth in at-risk situations, childcare for working
families and families on public assistance, and adoption for children
with special needs. These programs provide financial assistance to
states, community-based organizations, and academic institutions to
provide services, carry out research and demonstration activities and
undertake training, technical assistance, and information
dissemination.
Prior to joining ACYF, Commissioner Ohl spent four years as West
Virginia’s cabinet Secretary of the Department of Health and Human
Resources (DHHR). As chief administrator, she emphasized effective and
efficient programs, fiscal accountability and personnel development.
She successfully implemented the state’s welfare reform program
and numerous childcare quality improvement measures.
Under her leadership, West Virginia was recognized in 1999 and 2000 as
having the highest percentage of utilization of subsidized child care
of any state. As Secretary of DHHR, she established the Public Health
Transition Program to refocus on the provision of basic public health
services in West Virginia. When she left West Virginia state
government, virtually all eligible programs were receiving enhanced
funding or high performance bonus funding.
Commissioner Ohl is committed to the goals of ACF, particularly
prevention and early intervention, comprehensive child development
programs, and program service and delivery in rural states.
Additionally, Commissioner Ohl will work extensively with ACF
Assistant Secretary Wade Horn on a special initiative to address
teenage issues.
Commissioner Ohl’s achievements have not gone unnoticed. Governor
Cecil Underwood honored her with the Distinguished West Virginian
Award. The West Virginia Coalition Against Domestic Violence commended
her leadership efforts in helping to end domestic and family violence.
For her dedication to cultivating and building health care systems in
the state, the West Virginia Rural Health Association presented her
with its inaugural Joan E. Ohl Rural Health Leadership Award.
Commissioner Ohl was born in Harrisburg, Penn., and raised in Lewes,
Del. She received an undergraduate degree from the University of
Delaware, a master of education degree from the State University of
Buffalo, N.Y., and continued her studies at Pennsylvania State
University. Married to Dr. Ronald E. Ohl, former president of Salem
International University, she resides in Martinsburg, W.V.
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