Joan E. Ohl was sworn in as Commissioner of the Administration for Children, Youth and Families in the Administration for Children and Families, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, in February 2002. This is latest position of leadership that she has held in the public, private and nonprofit sectors over the past three decades.

Prior to joining the Bush administration, Mrs. Ohl was West Virginia's Secretary of Health and Human Resources from 1997 to 2001. In administering the 5,300-employee agency, she emphasized effective and efficient programs, fiscal accountability and personnel development.

Her previous work in the health-care field included serving as a board member of the West Virginia Health Care Cost Review Authority. She also worked as a private industry consultant on medical, nutrition and children issues in the state between 1984 and 1993.

In addition, Mrs. Ohl held a number of positions in higher education. Among these were vice president of the Independent College Fund of New Jersey and the Association of Independent Colleges and Universities in New Jersey. She also worked at five universities over a 15-year period.

A hallmark of her career has been establishing new organizational structures, programs and services. Equally important, she has been actively engaged in building partnerships between the public and private sectors.

Mrs. Ohl, was born in Harrisburg, Pa., and raised in Lewes, Delaware. She received an undergraduate degree from the University of Delaware and a Master of Education degree from the State University of Buffalo, New York and did advanced graduate work at Pennsylvania State University.

She is married to Dr. Ronald E. Ohl, retired president of Salem International University. She resides in Martinsburg, West Virginia.