Meet the Director
Kim Johnson
Director
California Department of Social Services
Kim Johnson was appointed by Governor Gavin Newsom as the Director of the California Department of Social Services (CDSS) in July of 2019. In this role, she leads a team of over 5,000 employees serving over 6 million Californians in the largest Department in the California Health and Human Services Agency.
Ms. Johnson started with CDSS in 2015 and had previously been appointed by Governor Jerry Brown to serve as the Deputy Director of the Family Engagement and Empowerment Division, CalWORKs and Child Care Branch Chief, and Child Care and Refugee Programs Branch Chief.
Ms. Johnson has over 25 years of experience working in various family support and children’s programs focused on social justice, equity, and poverty disruption in both community-based organizations and government.
The mission of the Department of Social Services is aligned with her purpose.
She is honored to serve Californians in this leadership capacity.