George Sheldon, Acting Assistant Secretary

George Sheldon is the Acting Assistant Secretary for the Administration for Children and Families under the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.  Prior to joining ACF, George Sheldon served as the Secretary of the Florida Department of Children and Families (DCF).

During his time in Florida, George oversaw the state’s child welfare programs, fostering a 36 percent reduction in children in out-of-home care, and integrating mental health, substance abuse and domestic violence services throughout the Department.  During George’s tenure, Florida achieved the nation’s highest rate of adoptions among foster children for two years, and moved the state from one of the worst food stamp error rates in the country to number 1 in the country for three consecutive years.

In early 2010, George worked closely with federal partners at HHS and ACF in the aftermath of Haiti’s catastrophic earthquake.  Together, Florida and ACF met the needs of more than 27,000 American citizens, 700 medical evacuees, and 600 Haitian children moving through the adoption process with American families.

Before his service at DCF, George was Associate Dean for Student and Alumni Services at St. Thomas University School of Law.  In addition to more than 12 years as a practicing attorney, George also served as Deputy Attorney General for central Florida, managing five regional offices and more than 400 employees.  In 1975, George was elected to the Florida House of Representatives, where he built an eight-year record focusing on the environment and children.

Born in Wildwood, New Jersey, George received both his B.A. and J.D. from Florida State University.