Kathryn Williams

Kathryn “Kate” Williams serves as the Interim Secretary for the Florida Department of Children and Families. In this role, Ms. Williams she provides operational and policy leadership across the Department’s key statewide programs, including Child and Family Well-Being, Economic Self-Sufficiency, Substance Abuse and Mental Health, Quality and Innovation, and Community Services, ensuring that Florida’s families are effectively connected to the services and supports they need to thrive.

As Assistant Secretary for the Office of Child and Family Well-Being, Ms. Williams led statewide prevention and diversion strategies that brought Florida to a 20-year low in children entering out-of-home care, while overseeing major system reforms, including the transition of several Community-Based Care Lead Agencies, technology modernization projects, and the integration of Child Protective Investigations from Sheriff’s Offices into the Department. With over 18 years of state government experience, Ms. Williams brings proven leadership in managing multi-billion-dollar budgets, directing multi-million-dollar contracts, and advancing key legislative priorities. Her efforts have driven the launch and expansion of transformative initiatives such as Family Navigation, Behavioral Health Consultants, and the Child Welfare Safety Practice Model.

Ms. Williams holds a Master of Science in Criminal Justice and a Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice and Psychology from the University of North Florida, and Ms. Williams maintains her certification as a Child Protective Investigator.