Department of Children and Families Leadership
Governor Scott Walker appointed Eloise Anderson as the Secretary of the Wisconsin Department of Children and Families effective January 3, 2011. Secretary Anderson is nationally and internationally known as a leader in public policy creation and implementation. She has extensive experience in child welfare and work support issues. Secretary Anderson began her career in Milwaukee as a social worker before joining state government. She has over 20 years in state service in a variety of roles, including serving as the Administrator of the Division of Community Services at the Wisconsin Department of Health and Social Services.
Secretary Anderson returns to Wisconsin from California where she served as director of the California Department of Social Services, the largest welfare system in the country, where she oversaw diverse programs such as child support enforcement, foster care, adoptions, child abuse prevention, child care, refugee support, and emergency assistance. Her other experience includes President of Job Wave America, Director of the Project for the American Family at the Claremont Institute, and most recently as President of Anderson Resource Management Services assisting families in obtaining wellness and becoming contributing members of the community. In these positions, Eloise honed her policy leadership and organizational management skills which led to transformation of human service policy and delivery.
Secretary Anderson has two adult children and lives in Marshall, Wisconsin with her husband, Patrick.
A lifelong resident of Wisconsin, DCF Deputy Secretary Joan Hansen brings over 25 years of experience in both the public and private sectors.
She is seasoned in building coalitions and engaging public and community leaders.
Immediately prior to joining DCF, Joan assisted in managing public service delivery for Milwaukee County where she helped lead the Milwaukee
County Department of Health and Human Services. Other professional experience includes leadership positions with Wisconsin Manufacturers and Commerce,
the Wisconsin Department of Health and Social Services and the Wisconsin Department of Labor and Human Relations.
In these positions, Joan honed her leadership and management skills preparing her for her role at DCF to help strengthen Wisconsin's families.