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SECRETARY BICHA NAMES TWO ADMINISTRATORS FOR DEPARTMENT OF CHILDREN AND FAMILIES

MADISON - Today, Department of Children and Families’ Secretary Reggie Bicha announces the appointments of Julie Kerksick as the Administrator for the Division of Family and Economic Security and Lisa Patrick as the Administrator for the Division of Prevention and Service Integration. The appointments are effective July 1st upon the official formation of the Department of Children and Families. 

“Julie and Lisa believe a strong future for Wisconsin starts by investing in our children,” said Secretary Reggie Bicha. “They both possess a dedication to public service and embody the new department’s commitment to improving the social and economic well-being of children and families across the state. I look forward to working closely with Julie and Lisa as we help Wisconsin’s children grow up safe, healthy and successful.” 

Kerksick, who is currently the Executive Director of the New Hope Project, has spent her entire professional career working with and on behalf of unemployed and low-income workers. She has helped design public policy, but has also shared in the responsibility of translating those policies into operating programs and procedures. 

Kerksick also serves on the Steering Committee of the National Transitional Jobs Network and the Board of Directors for First Service Credit Union. She holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in philosophy from the University of St. Louis. 

The Division of Family and Economic Security will work to ensure that families can be self sufficient through meaningful employment opportunities. The Division includes the W-2 and Temporary Assistance for Needy Families program, as well as the child support program. 

Patrick currently works at the Wisconsin Department of Corrections, serving as the agency liaison to local, state, and federal government agencies, tribes, community and faith-based organizations, and advocacy groups. She is responsible for leading consultation efforts to integrate and coordinate policies and programs for constituents who interact with multiple state and community based agencies to improve service coordination and outcomes. 

Prior to joining Corrections, Patrick served as the Program Director for Wisconsin Community Services. She has a Masters of Social Work from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee and a Bachelors degree in criminal justice from Morris Brown University. 

The Division of Prevention and Service Integration will work to enhance prevention and early intervention efforts across Wisconsin. The Division will also work to integrate the multiple programs and services that typically touch the lives of Wisconsin’s vulnerable families. 

Proposed in Governor Jim Doyle’s 2007-2009 biennial budget, and passed in November 2007 by the Wisconsin legislature, the Department of Children and Families will be the state’s first cabinet agency devoted exclusively to children and families.

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Last Revised:  June 17, 2008