As Governor, one of the most important tasks I have is to appoint and communicate with leaders in each state agency. These leaders, called secretaries, ensure agencies run smoothly and efficiently as they operate state government and implement government reforms…

Eloise Anderson – Department of Children and Families

Bringing Secretary Eloise Anderson to the Department of Children and Families (DCF) was great for Wisconsin! Eloise began her career in Milwaukee as a social worker before joining state government. She has more than 20 years of experience in public service, including playing an instrumental role in the creation of the TANF (Temporary Assistance for Needy Families) program.

Under Eloise’s leadership, DCF has focused on connecting low income individuals with jobs; providing families access to high-quality affordable early care and education; ensuring that children have financial support from both their parents; protecting the safety and well-being of children; and cracking down on fraud in the Wisconsin Shares subsidized child care program. DCF has approximately 700 employees and a billion dollar annual budget.

Eloise has focused on developing structures to ensure family stability and publicly elevated the role of involved fatherhood, which supports fathers as nurturing providers. She deeply shares my goal to have every child in Wisconsin reading at, or above, grade level when they come out of elementary school. DCF is a key partner in supporting my “Read to Lead” initiative, which recognizes quality early childhood education and is critical to ensuring the future leaders of our state are given the educational foundation they need to achieve success.

Eloise has two adult children and two grandsons. She lives in Marshall with her husband, Patrick. She is an avid golfer and enjoys Wisconsin’s beautiful golf courses whenever she can. Eloise’s personal philosophy is we should all be lifelong learners and she exemplifies this belief by taking piano lessons.