Policy & Practice | Summer 2023

78 percent decrease in individuals and families experi encing homelessness between 2016 and 2021. In addition, Zeilinger also implemented the Career Mobility Action Plan (Career MAP), a holistic and scientifically designed initiative that mitigates benefit cliffs and fosters financial growth. Matt Lyons, Senior Director of Policy and Practice at APHSA, said, “Through her role on APHSA’s Leadership Council, she has guided us through a period of unprec edented disruption in our sector and has challenged us to be better on behalf of our members and the communities they serve. I can’t think of a better person for this honor.”

the state of Nebraska, was the 2023 Lifetime Achievement Award recipient. This honor is given to individuals who have demonstrated exceptional leadership and dedication to improving the human services sector for at least 25 years. Prior to joining Nebraska DHHS, Dannette was the Director of the Virginia Beach Department of Human Services and has also worked in a leadership capacity in Seattle, WA, Atlanta, GA, Charlotte, NC, and Cook County, IL. Smith is dedicated to translating words and plans into action, approaching her work with a sense of purpose, and exhibiting a leadership style characterized by dignity, humility, and grace. Sheila Poole, Vice President of External Relations at APHSA, stated, “Dannette is an extraordinary individual whose leadership is exemplified by an undeterred commit ment to improving the complex components of our human services ecosystem.” “Simply put, Dannette has set a new standard for human services leadership.” In addition to her current CEO position in Nebraska, Smith assumes the distinguished role of Chair of the APHSA Executive Governing Board. APHSA is eternally grateful for leaders like her who have helped build thriving communi ties across the country—leaving a lasting impact on both the human services sector and those it serves. The APHSA National Human Services Summit 2023 took place May 21–24 at the Hyatt Regency Baltimore in Baltimore, MD.

Smith (left) with Tracy Wareing Evans, APHSA President and CEO.

Lifetime Achievement Award Dannette Smith , Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) for

Special Note: In It Together

By Zahava “Zee” Zaidoff

M y name is Zahava Zaidoff (Zee), and I was the moderator of the Federal Panel at this year’s APHSA National Human Services Summit in May. I was excited, giddy even, to be able to share my experiences as a community advocate and a recipient of many of the benefits available from human services agencies. We had a robust discussion with federal leaders around culture changes, the right place for tech nology in the process, and concrete actions that can be taken by both state and federal leaders to ensure that community voice is not only heard but prioritized. I live off grid on a one-acre plot of land in rural Hawaii. I have no con sistent cell service at my house, no printer, and family members with dis abilities who live with me. These issues

change things for me, and the millions like me. You want to create infrastruc ture to be able to make changes. You want to be inclusive. You want to make benefits more accessible and lessen the stigma around them. I was touched in a way that is hard to describe. You leaders heard me. You heard us; the us that you serve every day. Read the responses on the next page and feel the authenticity in them. Use them as a source of inspiration, but also accountability. Know that your peers want to make changes as you do. Know that your customers need those changes to happen. And know this, you’re changing lives with the work you do. We need you, and you need us. The power sharing structure must change. Those of us with lived expertise are your colleagues in this work. We are in it together.

aren’t philosophical for me; they affect my life in a very real and concrete way. I felt heard at the Summit. I felt proud to have been a loud voice for many of the issues that aren’t talked about in the sunlight. I felt honored to have been asked to share my story. I felt anxious to be speaking in a room filled with leaders in this space. At the end of the panel, audience members were asked to write down one concrete action that they would commit to taking within their respec tive agencies and organizations. I had no idea if anyone would do it. I was not confident that the answers would be authentic. I truly had no idea what to expect. And then, I read the answers. And I cried. So many of you who do this work really care. This isn’t a money thing for you. You have a genuine desire to

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