JAMES W. SMITH, JR., JOINS CHILDREN’S FUTURES
Former NJ DHS Senior Official Named New Vice President for Trenton Nonprofit

Trenton, NJ, March 2, 2009—James W. Smith, Jr., a long-time senior official at the New Jersey Department of Human Services (DHS) has joined Children’s Futures (CF) as vice president for program management and development. Smith has served as Acting Commissioner of DHS during two different administrations.  As the DHS deputy commissioner, he had direct responsibility for New Jersey’s public welfare and Medicaid systems.  During his service to the state, Smith also led New Jersey’s child care, child abuse and developmental disabilities programs.

“Jim Smith’s vast experience and national reputation in managing programs and advancing system reform initiatives are a perfect fit for the future direction of our organization,” said Floyd K. Morris, Jr., CF president.  Morris noted that Smith will help create an even stronger bridge for CF’s efforts to improve the lives of vulnerable residents.

DHS Commissioner Jennifer Velez praised Smith for his long dedication and significant contributions to the citizens of New Jersey.  “Jim is enormously respected in all corners of the social services community and has earned this credibility from his years passionately defending social equity and believing in good government.  While we will miss him sorely, we wish him all the best,” said Velez.

“I am honored to join an organization that is dedicated to linking children and families to a full array of services and supports needed to promote healthy growth, development and safety,” said Smith.  “In a relatively short time, Children’s Futures has built a strong reputation both in New Jersey and throughout the nation as a real innovator in strengthening parenting, improving both primary systems of care and child care systems, and building successful partnerships throughout the community,” Smith added.

Since 1982, Smith has served in progressively responsible positions managing and developing numerous initiatives at NJDHS.  Prior to 1982, he served as deputy director on a special project on legislation and policy development for former U.S. Secretary of Health, Education and Welfare Joseph A. Califano.    

Smith earned his Master of Social Work degree from the Graduate School of Social Work at Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey in New Brunswick in 1974 and his Bachelor of Arts degree from Lycoming College in Williamsport, PA in 1971.  

About Children’s Futures

Children’s Futures Inc. (CF) is a nationally recognized, Trenton, New Jersey-based nonprofit organization created to improve health and developmental outcomes for children. As a major catalyst for change, CF also advocates for important policy initiatives to improve maternal and child health; convenes local stakeholders to model best practices on early childhood development; provides technical assistance and training for service providers; and serves as a clearinghouse of objective child health information. Core to CF is its role in Trenton directing a seven-year collaboration of health, social service, and educational institutions that work together to implement innovative approaches to improving child health and development at scale. CF began in 2001 with support that continues from the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, the nation's largest philanthropy devoted exclusively to improving the health and health care of all Americans. Children's Futures is part of Robert Wood Johnson Foundation's Vulnerable Populations Portfolio, which is dedicated to examining the critical relationships between health and where and how people live, work, learn and play.   For more information about Children’s Futures and the programs offered, please visit www.childrensfutures.org.