Howard County Executive Calvin Ball yesterday announced Erin Bonzon, MSW, MSPH, as the new head of the Howard County Office of Children and Families (OCF), effective immediately.

One of eight offices under the Department of Community Resources and Services, OCF works in concert with the community to coordinate, develop, expand and enhance children and family services in Howard County. OCF also provides access to early childhood supports and resources.

According to a press release:

“Our children embody our hope for the future. Howard County’s children and their families deserve an administrator with the experience and passion to make positive change for all,” said Ball. “Ms. Bonzon’s proven track record in health and human services program management, policy, and systems building with state and local governments will be an invaluable asset to the Office. We are excited to begin working with her to help ensure we are improving the social, developmental and emotional needs of all our children.”

A passionate leader focused on improving the health and well-being for all children and families, Ms. Bonzon began her career in human services as a home visitor working with pregnant women and first-time parents. As the Division Chief for Perinatal and Infant Health for the DC Department of Health, she oversaw Newborn Screening, Safe Sleep and Healthy Start programs. Ms. Bonzon most recently served as the Project Director for Child and Family Health for the National Academy for State Health Policy in Washington, D.C.

“I am thrilled to join the Office of Children and Families,” said Bonzon. “I look forward to working in partnership with the community to ensure that all children and families in Howard County have access to resources and information that supports early childhood development and helps families thrive.”

Ms. Bonzon holds a dual master’s degree in Public Health and Social Work from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from the State University of New York College at Fredonia.