ACS Commissioner Rebecca Jones Gaston Shares Personal Connection to Child Welfare
ACS Commissioner Rebecca Jones Gaston introduces her leadership team, thanks interim leadership, and shares her personal background and philosophy regarding safety, connection, and equity in child welfare.
I'd like to thank Chair Stevens, Chair Lee, and the members of the Children and Youth and Finance Committees for convening today's hearing on the executive budget for City Fiscal Year 2027.
I am joined by my colleagues, Deputy Commissioner for Financial Services, Margaret Plentikoff, Deputy Commissioner for External Affairs, Stephanie Glendell, Deputy Commissioner for the Division of Youth and Family Justice, Nancy Ginsburg, Deputy Commissioner for the Family Services Division, Luisa Lenares, Deputy Commissioner for Family Permanency Services, Ina Mendez, and Deputy Commissioner for the Division of Child and Family Wellbeing, Elizabeth Volcamoore.
Before I begin, I want to acknowledge Melissa Hester for her steady and compassionate leadership as interim commissioner.
During a period of transition, Melissa guided this agency with care, integrity, and deep commitment to children and families.
And I want to thank her and congratulate her on her new role as Executive Deputy Commissioner of People, Operations and Technology.
I often say, I often say that I was born into the system.
Child welfare is not simply the work I do, it is personal to me.
It has shaped my life, my sense of purpose, and my understanding of what children, youth, and families need not only to survive, but to heal, grow, and thrive.
Because I know personally what systems can mean in the life of a child, I approach this role with both urgency and hope.
Across every role, every system, and every community, one lesson has remained constant.
Meaningful and lasting change only happens when we remain grounded in the voices, experiences, strengths, and hopes of the people most impacted by our decisions.
That belief will guide my leadership at ACS.
I also recognize that this work does not happen in isolation.
The well-being of children and families depends on strong partnership across systems and sectors, including providers, advocates, community leaders, and our partners in the judiciary.
Lasting progress requires all of us working together with shared accountability and shared commitment to safety, healing, fairness, and opportunity.