City Manager Names Sheila E. Mitchell Director of Human Services

CHARLOTTESVILLE, VA – City Manager Maurice Jones has named Sheila E. Mitchell Director of Human Services (DHS) for the City of Charlottesville, Virginia.

Ms. Mitchell has over 15 years of local government social and human service experience, most recently serving for nine years as head of the Santa Clara County, California Probation Department, as well as helming her own consulting firm. Prior to her entrance into government service, Ms. Mitchell worked as an executive manager for AT&T in Atlanta, Georgia.

In the course of her career, Ms. Mitchell has worked extensively with issues of juvenile justice, including spearheading the transition of the Santa Clara County system to an evidence-based juvenile treatment focused model, decreasing behavior incidents and recidivism.  She served as the first Deputy Commissioner of the Office of Quality Assurance for the Georgia Department of Juvenile Justice.

“I am pleased to welcome Sheila to our leadership team,” said City Manager Maurice Jones. “She brings with her a wealth of experience and expertise that will help Human Services continue their tremendous work.”

“I am delighted to embark on this next exciting chapter in my career with the City of Charlottesville. I am honored to join the great team in the Department of Human Services,” said Mitchell. “I look forward to working with staff, families, and community partners to ensure that our residents receive the best possible service.”

The Department of Human Services was created in Department includes all of the residential, foster family, and community based services of the Community Attention Programs and a variety of human services program and initiatives. The Director serves as a human services policy advisor to the City Manager and works to implement the social policy initiatives of the City Council.

She will begin work with the City of Charlottesville on April 25, 2016.