Jennifer Sims is the Deputy Commissioner of the Department of Family and Protective Services (DFPS). She rejoined DFPS in this role in January 2023, reprising a role she held at DFPS from 2011-2016. Sims has served in state government for 25 years and has held multiple leadership positions.
Prior to her recent appointment to Deputy Commissioner, Sims served as the Deputy Commissioner at the Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS) for seven years leading up to her state retirement in August of 2021. As DSHS Deputy, she was responsible for program oversight and agency operations, including financial services, external relations, strategic planning, public health data, and policy oversight.
Sims helped lead DSHS through the COVID-19 public health crisis and the aftermath of Hurricane Harvey, just two of the highest profile events under her watch. She has also served as Associate Commissioner of the Department of Aging and Disability Services (DADS) and, in a prior engagement with DFPS, she was the Director of External Relations and Executive Operations. Sims also has experience as both a Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) and a foster parent.
Sims holds a Master of Social Work from the University of Texas at Arlington and a Bachelor’s in Psychology. She also holds professional certifications in change management, mediation, and dispute resolution.