Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) during two consecutive United States Presidents Administrations. At HHS. she worked as Acting Assistant Secretary for the Family Support Administration. managing a staff of more than 1.049 and a budget in excess of $14 billion. She administered federal programs focused on strengthening families and increasing their selfsufficiency. including Aid to Families with Dependent Children. Child Support Enforcement. Refugee Resettlement. and the Community Services programs. She directed the Implementation of Welfare reform as was embodied in the Family Support Act in Dr. Thomas retired from HHS as Director of the Office of Community Services Administration for Children and Families where she oversaw the Community Services Block Grant.