Policy & Practice | Winter 2025

ecently, APHSA’s President and CEO, Reggie Bicha, spoke with Alex Adams—now Assistant Secretary Alex J. Adams on Trusting States and Strengthening Families R

Fatherhood REGGIE BICHA: I’m a social worker by training, and I have to say that one of the greatest influences I’ve had in my professional career has been that of being a dad. I never would have expected, when I was in college and early in my career, how much of an impact that would have. I’m curious, Alex, how has being a dad influenced your take on this work? ALEX ADAMS: I would say sub stantially—both being a dad and then the journey to fatherhood. We love our daughter Emerson dearly and want every child to have the same opportu nities that she has, which motivates a lot of my approach to this work. Leaderhip Philosophy REGGIE BICHA: From prior conversations, I’ve heard you talk about a particular philosophy with which you’re approaching your work and establishing priorities at ACF. Would you mind sharing more about that with our readers? ALEX ADAMS: Of course. I’ll break it up into two categories. I’ll talk about my general management phi losophy and then also how I’m looking at ACF specifically. Prior to this, I ran four state agencies: the Charter Commission, the Board of Pharmacy, the State Department of Health and Welfare (our state HHS agency), and then the State Division of Financial Management, which is a fancy way of saying OMB—Idaho’s Office of Management and Budget.

serving as the Assistant Secretary for the Administration for Children and Families (ACF) at the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS)—where he offered in-depth insights on the leadership principles and strategic priorities shaping his work at the federal level. From family and fatherhood to state and federal collaboration, administrative reform, child welfare strategy, and the future of ACF programs, Adams emphasized humility, trust in states, and a clear focus on ensuring that every child has a safe and nurturing home throughout the conversation. We extend our sincere appreciation to Assistant Secretary Adams for meeting with us on two occasions since his Senate confirmation in October. This article includes selected excerpts from his November 21, 2025 conversation with Bicha. The content has been edited only for length. Bicha and Adams began their conversation with Adams offering a glimpse into the person behind the title—someone who indeed spends plenty of time in the office, but who also loves his family, the outdoors, and has roots that run deep in Idaho. Over the course of his career, he has served the state in pivotal roles, from Budget Director to Director of the Department of Health and Welfare. He graciously shared that he and his wife welcomed their daughter, Emerson, after a long and challenging journey to parenthood.

9

Winter 2025 Policy & Practice