About the Secretary
Shevaun L. Harris
Shevaun L. Harris was appointed by Governor Ron DeSantis to serve as the Secretary of the Agency for Health Care Administration (Agency) in February 2025. Previously, Secretary Harris worked at the Agency from 2005-2021 where she excelled and served in key roles, including Acting Secretary. Most of her tenure at the Agency was focused on the administration of the Florida Medicaid program, implementing sound policy and quality improvement efforts for millions of Floridians, and serving as lead negotiator for the multi-billion dollar procurement of the Statewide Medicaid Managed Care program.
Prior to returning to the Agency in 2025, she served more than four years as the Secretary of the Department of Children and Families (DCF) where she established innovative programs and initiatives aimed at supporting strong and resilient families. Under her leadership, initiatives like Hope Florida, spearheaded by First Lady Casey DeSantis; the Coordinated Opioid Recovery Network (CORE); the Responsible Fatherhood Initiative; and the Child Welfare Accountability System were launched and served as the catalyst for major systems change. Because of efforts like these, Florida experienced a decrease in opioid and suicide deaths; improvements in child welfare prevention efforts resulting in fewer youth in foster care and increases in adoptions; and expanded service options for those contending with substance use and mental health disorders.
Secretary Harris began her career as a social worker, and has a true passion for public service, particularly in the field of health and human services. She is a champion for children and families and her leadership is marked by a belief in accountability-driven systems, innovation, and continuous quality improvement.
Secretary Harris received her bachelor’s degree in psychology, a master’s degree in social work from Florida State University, and a master’s degree in business administration from Quinnipiac University.
