San Francisco Sun

San Francisco Mayor London N. Breed has announced the appointment of Sherrice Dorsey-Smith as the Acting Director of the Department of Children, Youth, and Their Families (DCYF). This follows Dr. Maria Su's recent transition to Superintendent of the San Francisco Unified School District.

Dorsey-Smith has been with DCYF for 17 years, previously serving as Program Specialist, Senior Program Specialist, and Chief of Staff. In her new role, she will manage a $350 million budget supporting over 42,000 young people through various services like summer programs and mental health support.

Mayor Breed stated, “Sherrice has been at DCYF for 17 years, dedicating her career to ensuring that our City’s kids and families have what they need to succeed.” Dorsey-Smith expressed gratitude for her new position: “I am truly honored and humbled to be selected for this role,” she said.

Dr. Maria Su praised Dorsey-Smith's qualifications: “Her extensive experience, deep knowledge, and dedication to DCYF’s goals make her uniquely qualified to lead the department.”

DCYF focuses on equity and trauma healing while collaborating with community organizations and schools. Dorsey-Smith began at DCYF in 2007 as a Program Specialist and advanced initiatives such as Technical Assistance and Capacity Building.

District 9 Supervisor Hillary Ronen commented on Dorsey-Smith's career commitment: "For nearly two decades Sherrice Dorsey-Smith has committed her career to improving the lives of all San Francisco children."

District 10 Supervisor Shamann Walton also lauded her leadership: “Her tireless advocacy...has made lasting impacts.”

Dorsey-Smith's accomplishments include leading a historic Request for Proposals process awarding $115 million in funding for community-based organizations from 2024-2029. Her work during the COVID-19 pandemic on the Community Hub Initiative earned her recognition with the 2022 San Francisco Good Government Award.

Phil Ginsburg from the San Francisco Recreation and Parks Department commended her efforts during the pandemic: “I saw her leadership qualities up close...her determined passion to protect our city’s kids.”

Sarah Wan from Community Youth Center remarked on Dorsey-Smith's impact: “Under her leadership, the well-being of San Francisco's children...will continue to be a top priority.”

Before joining DCYF, Dorsey-Smith was involved in youth development roles in San Francisco and Oakland since 1998.