Jody Becker

Jody Becker, MSW, PhD, is the Region 10 regional administrator for the Administration for Children and Families (ACF), headquartered in Seattle, WA. As the regional administrator, she serves the States of Alaska, Idaho, Oregon and Washington and 272 federally recognized Tribal Nations. She leads strategic initiatives and emergency preparedness and response activities in partnership with other HHS operating divisions, federal agencies, state, local and tribal governments, non-profit organizations, philanthropy, community- and faith-based service providers and others to improve the economic and social well-being of children, families, and communities.

Jody brings over 30 years of experience in both the public and non-profit sectors to this role. She has served as an executive leader, public administrator, researcher, legislative liaison and social worker at local, state, and national levels. Before coming to ACF in January 2023, she served, starting in 2007, in executive leadership positions with Washington state’s Department of Social and Health Services, Department of Corrections and Department of Children, Youth and Families.

Jody has spent part of her career living and working in Indian Country. Early on in her career she lived on the Navajo Nation and provided services to Navajo children with disabilities and their families. Her passion for and commitment to working with Tribal Nations was strengthened through her work at the National Indian Child Welfare Association (NICWA). She has an unwavering commitment to tribal sovereignty and government-to-government relationships.

She is curious, collaborative and innovative by nature. Throughout her career she has been an agent of change by creating opportunities to identify and break down barriers, build systemic and inclusive approaches to service design and delivery, utilize data and performance measures to drive toward results, and inspire others to push the boundaries of what is possible.

Becker earned a B.A. degree in social work from the College of Saint Scholastica, an M.S.W. from the University of Utah and a Ph.D. in social work and applied research from Portland State University. She received the Washington Governor’s Award for Leadership and Management in 2015.  Becker is a certified diversity executive through the Institute for Diversity Certification. 

Jody lives with her partner and two dogs on a farm outside of Olympia, WA. She is an avid hiker, gardener, beekeeper, and award-winning baker.