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Montpelier Today
By the People, for the People
Vermont Governor Appoints New DCF Commissioner
Sandi Hoffman, an 18-year veteran with the Department for Children and Families, will lead the agency.
Mar. 20, 2026 at 10:06pm
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Vermont Governor Phil Scott has appointed Sandi Hoffman as the new commissioner of the Department for Children and Families (DCF). Hoffman has served as the interim commissioner since September 2025, when the previous commissioner, Chris Winters, left to become the deputy commissioner of labor.
Why it matters
The DCF plays a critical role in Vermont, overseeing child protective services, foster care, juvenile offender programs, and the administration of federal benefits. The agency has faced several challenges in recent years, including issues with its hotel-motel emergency housing program, the inability to set up a new facility for juvenile offenders, and difficulties tracking violations at child care centers.
The details
Sandi Hoffman, an 18-year veteran with DCF, has been appointed as the new commissioner by Governor Phil Scott. Hoffman has served as the interim commissioner since September 2025, when the previous commissioner, Chris Winters, left the position. In her new role, Hoffman will be responsible for overseeing the various functions of the DCF, including investigating child abuse and neglect, managing child protective services and foster care, supporting juvenile offender programs, and administering federal benefits.
- On March 20, 2026, Governor Phil Scott appointed Sandi Hoffman as the new commissioner of the Department for Children and Families.
- Sandi Hoffman has served as the interim commissioner since September 2025, when the previous commissioner, Chris Winters, left the position.
The players
Phil Scott
The Governor of Vermont who appointed Sandi Hoffman as the new commissioner of the Department for Children and Families.
Sandi Hoffman
An 18-year veteran with the Department for Children and Families, who has been appointed as the new commissioner of the agency by Governor Phil Scott.
Chris Winters
The previous commissioner of the Department for Children and Families, who left the position in September 2025 to become the deputy commissioner of labor.
What they’re saying
“I'm grateful to the Governor and Secretary Samuelson for this opportunity, and I'm so excited to continue this work with such an extraordinary team at DCF. I'm amazed every day by the dedication and professionalism of the folks I work with and look forward to what we can accomplish together.”
— Sandi Hoffman
The takeaway
Sandi Hoffman's appointment as the new commissioner of the Department for Children and Families comes at a critical time, as the agency faces several challenges in areas such as emergency housing, juvenile offender programs, and child care center oversight. Her 18 years of experience within the department and her commitment to working with the dedicated team at DCF suggest that she is well-positioned to address these issues and lead the agency forward.
