(The Center Square) − Gov. Jeff Landry announced a leadership shakeup Friday at the Louisiana Department of Children and Family Services, naming Rebecca Harris as the agency’s next secretary and appointing Judge David Matlock as her confidential assistant.
“Rebecca has consistently demonstrated the kind of steady, thoughtful leadership Louisiana families need,” Landry said in a statement. “Her experience in operational improvement and her commitment to protecting our most vulnerable children make her the right choice to lead DCFS.”
Harris takes the reins as the department undergoes sweeping structural changes, with lawmakers voting this week to shift many of DCFS’s traditional responsibilities to other state agencies as part of a broader effort to streamline services.
“I’m honored and excited to serve as secretary during this great time of opportunity and transformation,” Harris said. “I’m proud to lead this team of dedicated and courageous professionals who show up every day for Louisiana’s children and families.”
Matlock, who briefly served as secretary, said the transition marks a personal pivot toward his longtime passion for foster care and advocacy.
“This next chapter is deeply personal to me,” Matlock said. “I look forward to focusing my energy on building strong, supportive environments for the children who need us most.”
Their appointments come as the state implements a major reorganization of public assistance and workforce development programs under the newly passed “One Door” initiative. The legislation, House Bill 624 by Rep. Stephanie Berault, R-Slidell, passed unanimously and was signed by Landry on June 20.
Workforce Commissioner Susana Schowenn said the realignment is also meant to sharpen DCFS’s focus on child protection.
“We wanted to make DCFS its own standalone agency and focus exclusively on child protection,” Schowenn said.
The reform aims to consolidate fragmented benefit systems and workforce training efforts into a single case-managed structure led by the Louisiana Workforce Commission.
As a result, DCFS will transfer administration of several major programs —including the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, Temporary Assistance for Needy Families, Disability Determination Services, and the SNAP Employment and Training program — to other state agencies.
