Eloise Anderson is known nationally and internationally as a leader on welfare issues.
She served in Gov. Scott Walker’s administration as secretary of the Wisconsin Department of Children and Families from 2011 until 2019. As the former director of the California Department of Social Services, she created a successful work model that led to thousands of people transitioning from welfare to self-sufficiency.
Anderson began her career in Milwaukee as a social worker and in various roles within state and county government. In 1988, then-Gov. Tommy Thompson appointed her administrator of the Division of Community Services, a position she held for four years.
Anderson has over 20 years of experience in state service. She was named by the leadership of the U.S. House of Representatives to the National Advisory Board on Welfare Indicators and was honored with the 1996 National Governors Association award for outstanding state official.
