Appointed acting director of the California Department of Community Services and Development (CSD) by Governor Jerry Brown in May 2011, John A. Wagner  received his bachelor’s degree from Marquette University, a master’s degree in public administration from the John F. Kennedy School of Government, Harvard University, and another master’s degree in public policy from Georgetown University.

Before coming to California, Wagner was the assistant secretary for children, youth and families for the Massachusetts Executive Office of Health and Human Services. From 2002-2007, he was the commissioner for the Massachusetts Department of Transitional Assistance, one of the state’s largest agencies, overseeing cash assistance, food programs, and shelter for low-income residents.

Wagner was named director of California’s Department of Social Services in 2007, administering programs serving more than 3 million residents, including foster children, families receiving aid through the CalWORKS program, the elderly in licensed care facilities, ant the blind who get assistance from In-Hope Supportive Services or Supplemental Security Income/State Supplementary Program.

Wagner left the CSD in 2012 to become chief operating officer of First 5 LA.

Acting Director John A. Wagner (CSD website)

John Wagner—Chief Operating Officer (First 5 LA)