Colleen Anderson has had extensive experience in the capacity of the California Statewide Program Administrator for Children’s Residential Programs. Ms. Anderson and her statewide operation staff of 300 personnel, spanning five Regional Offices, oversaw the Licensing and Regulatory guidelines for all Children’s Residential Programs in California. Her ultimate responsibility was to the 19,232 licensed Children’s Residential facilities, which she governed. These facilities care for approximately 42,000 clients.

Ms. Anderson excelled in the chain of command at Department of Social Services, Community Care Licensing division from Program Supervisor to Regional Manager and finally to Program Administrator. In the various capacities she was responsible for Child Care Programs as well as Residential Facilities for the Elderly, Adult and Children. She provided leadership in shaping policies and procedures related to management of these programs.

She secured over half a million dollars in outside funding from two Los Angeles County Agencies to collaborate on joint welfare reform projects related to Child Care capacity building efforts and Welfare-to-Work campaigns. She successfully transitioned licensing’s work ideology from a strict regulatory role to a more consumer friendly customer service agency.

Ms. Anderson’s commitment to excellence and service to the community was demonstrated during her 26-year career at the Community Care Licensing Division of the California Department of Social Services.

Currently, Ms. Anderson is the Executive Director of the California Institute of Health and Social Services, Inc., (CIHSS), a non-profit organization with offices located in Los Angeles, Gardena, San Bernardino and Lancaster, CA. As the Executive Director of CIHSS, she is responsible for the overall operations and success of the agency and all programs and entities under the services of CIHSS. She assumes all executive authority for fundraising, training and development, human resources, strategic planning, finance and communications.

Children’s Way Foster Family Agency and Adoption Program, a Division of the California Institute of Health and Social Services, Inc. provides nurturing and safe homes for children who have been abused, neglected and have no caregiver. The Children’s Way Adoption Program is a licensed full-service adoption agency.

The Family Way Adult Family Home Agency, is another Division of CIHSS that provides safe and caring homes for consumers, adults with developmental disabilities, (mentally delayed and autistic) to increase their functioning levels while providing resources and advocating for their capability to live independently.