Jeff Hild Announces Departure from HHS

Today, Jeff Hild, the senior official performing the duties of the Assistant Secretary for the Administration for Children and Families (ACF), will be leaving the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS).

Hild joined HHS during the beginning of the Biden-Harris Administration, initially serving as the Deputy Assistant Secretary for Legislation covering human services and Acting Assistant Secretary for Legislation before transitioning to be the Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary at ACF and eventually assuming leadership of ACF as the Acting Assistant Secretary. He also served as a senior leader at HHS during the Obama-Biden Administration.

“We owe Jeff Hild a debt of gratitude for his leadership in delivering on our promise to help American families,” said HHS Secretary Xavier Becerra. “Under Jeff’s leadership at ACF, we advanced the economic mobility of families, increased child and family safety, and strengthened the early care and education workforce. Jeff’s leadership has resulted in more Americans having safe, independent, and dignified lives with a fair shot at achieving their dreams. We congratulate and wish him the best on his continued mission to help improve the well-being of children, youth, and families.”

ACF delivered an unprecedent regulatory agenda under Jeff’s leadership, issuing new regulations to support grandparents and other kin caregivers, lower the costs of child care, increase protections for LGBTQI+ children in foster care, codify safety requirements for recently-arrived children in HHS care, and raise wages for Head Start teachers. ACF has also increased its federal investment in bettering the lives of everyday families during his tenure, including launching the first ever federal diaper distribution program, the first ever program to help families with the costs of water bills, and increasing maternal health support for Native American families.

Additionally, Hild focused on improving how ACF carries out its mission. For example, to advance the Administration’s priority of better embracing our trust responsibilities with tribal nations, ACF expanded the number of tribes and programs that receive integrated funds through the “477” plan. Additionally, ACF hired permanent career staff to advise on embedding the insights and experiences of people with lived experience into decision-making. Hild also recognized the importance of the well-being of the workforce, and increased supports for employee recognition and wellness. His concern for workforce extended to partners and organizations across the country, with ACF launching the National Early Care and Education Workforce Center and the child welfare-focused Center for Workforce Equity and Leadership under his watch.

“I have been unbelievably fortunate to serve in the Biden-Harris Administration and lead the Administration for Children and Families and the team of dedicated public servants that make a difference in the lives of everyday people,” said Jeff Hild. “Each day, we took concrete action to lift up communities, invest in families, and support thriving children. ACF’s work to build a more resilient, equitable and economically security future will continue and I look forward to supporting that work in my new role.”