40th Anniversary Symposium

Don Slosser (February to May 1977)

At one time or another, every DCFS spokesperson has said to themselves, “Boy, if only I was in charge.” One person, Don Slosser, got that chance in 1977. His three-month tenure was more than a temporary fill-in between formal appointments by a new governor. It was a recognition of Don’s leadership skills and his knowledge about the state’s most complex agency. In short, Don could be trusted with the lives of thousands of vulnerable children and their families. And he served them well. Don eventually returned to the job he had held since the early days of the Department, and served DCFS as it’s spokesperson until 1986. No one else has held that position longer, or with greater distinction, than Don.