Former Educator and Special Education Expert Dr. Debra Y. Brooks to Head Office

BALTIMORE, MD. (Thursday, June 16, 2022) - Today, Mayor Brandon M. Scott announced the appointment of Dr. Debra Y. Brooks, Ed.D., as the new Director for the Mayor’s Office of Children and Family Success (MOCFS). Dr. Brooks will assume the position effective July 11, 2022.

"I am proud to announce that Dr. Debra Y. Brooks will be assuming this position and look forward to working with her to prioritize Baltimore’s young people and their families through MOCFS’s work," said Mayor Brandon M. Scott. "Having worked in the Baltimore City Public School System for over 25 years, Dr. Brooks brings a wealth of experience and deep institutional knowledge to this role."

Director Brooks will report directly to Deputy Mayor for Equity, Health, and Human Services Faith Leach and be primarily responsible for bringing together the tools of City government, Baltimore’s collective love for children, and the vast assets of our communities to radically improve the lives of Baltimore’s children and families through advocacy, policymaking, and programmatic initiatives around MOCFS’s core values:

• Increasing early childhood development;
• Decreasing youth food insecurity;
• Decreasing youth homelessness;
• Increasing youth literacy;
• Improving trauma-informed care for youth;
• Advancing youth diversion practices;
• And breaking down historical barriers to success for Black boys and young men.

"Every day the incredible team at MOCFS works to radically improve the lives of Baltimore’s Children and Families," said Deputy Mayor for Equity, Health, and Human Services Faith Leach. "With a transformational leader like Dr. Brooks at the helm, MOCFS is well positioned to deepen its impact and double down on efforts to reform once fragmented support systems."

MOCFS is the lead agency on a number of Mayor Scott’s key initiatives:

• Energy, Water, and Rental Assistance;
• Baltimore City Head Start;
• The Children’s Cabinet;
• The Baltimore Young Families Success Fund;
• The Trauma-Informed Care Task Force;
• And Summer Programming for Young People and Their Families.

"It is an honor and pledge to serve Baltimore City children and families, said Dr. Debra Y. Brooks, Ed.D. "Understanding that the essence of Baltimore City is its residents and well supported families mean a healthier more vibrant community for everyone, it is my goal to collaborate with community partners and incorporate youth voices to improve outcomes for all children and families."

Debra Y. Brooks, Ed.D. has been in education for 30 years. She has held various positions ranging from teacher, building leader of K-8 and Middle grade campuses and specialized schools for students ages 3-21 to central office leader. Additionally, Dr. Brooks has served in various central office positions such as Coordinator of Inclusion, Director of Low Incidence and Inclusion, and Academic Director of Special Education, all within Baltimore City Public Schools. During Dr. Brooks’ tenure in Baltimore County she was the Executive Director of Special Education and Executive Director of Student Support Services. Currently, Dr. Brooks serves as the Executive Director of Special Education for Baltimore City Public Schools.

Dr. Brooks is a proud resident of Baltimore City.