FaithBridge Foster Care Hires Mark A. Washington as Chief Operating Officer

Georgia's Former DFCS Assistant Commissioner Heeds Lifelong Call to Christian Ministry

Alpharetta, GA (October 4, 2010) - FaithBridge Foster Care announced today that it has hired Mark A. Washington, the former assistant commissioner of the Georgia's Division of Family and Child Services (DFCS), to serve as chief operating officer. In this role, Washington will be responsible for all aspects of the organization's strategic and tactical operations, including finance, family recruitment and training, government compliance and outcomes management.    

As assistant commissioner for DFCS, one of the largest government agencies in Georgia, Washington had executive responsibility for child protective services program administration, which included oversight of foster care and public and private adoptions, as well as the management of eligibility services for Medicaid, food stamp programs, Temporary Assistance of Needy Families (TANF) and child care. He also played a key role in setting public policy, legislative priorities and compliance with federal legislative mandates.

"Mark's understanding of the foster care system, both in Georgia and beyond, as well as his passion to make a difference in the lives of children make him uniquely equipped to manage FaithBridge's operational activities," said FaithBridge CEO Bill Hancock.  "As we look to scale operations throughout Georgia and nationally, it's crucial that we have someone of Mark's caliber oversee the processes and systems that make success possible. In addition, his understanding of the legislative environment gives us needed insight to help affect public policy that protects our community's most vulnerable children."   

"Throughout my career, I have been clearly called to serve families and children," said Mark A. Washington. "At FaithBridge, my personal faith and professional expertise will intersect beautifully and allow me to continue to do the work that I have always loved-but within a church context."

Prior to joining Georgia DFCS, Washington served in many consultative and executive leadership roles in both government and private organizations, including commissioner for Kentucky's Department of Community Based Services, executive officer to the undersecretary of health in Kentucky, chief financial officer for privately-held corporation and auditor for Ernst & Young. He received his Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration from the University of Kentucky. Washington lives in lives in Newnan, Georgia with his wife and four daughters. He is active in SouthCrest Church, where he serves as a youth group leader.  

About FaithBridge Foster Care

A Christ-centered, tax-exempt corporation intent on changing U.S. foster care, FaithBridge Foster Care works with the local church to solve and take ownership of its community's foster care crisis. FaithBridge partners with local churches to create independent foster care ministries around a small group model, called the Community of Care^SM, which provides foster families with unparalleled support and resources. This relationship-enhanced model scales to create local foster family capacity with built-in stability and quality, bringing children and families together in a safe, loving community.