Dr. Maria Su

Dr. Maria Su is the superintendent of the San Francisco Unified School District. Previously she served as Executive Director of the San Francisco Department of Children, Youth and Their Families (DCYF). At the helm of DCYF, Dr. Su spearheads innovative policies and grant-making initiatives, including the landmark Children and Youth Fund, which provides comprehensive services to children, youth, transitional-age youth (TAY), and families throughout the City and County of San Francisco. DCYF is one of the few city departments in the country dedicated exclusively to the needs of young people from birth to 24 years of age.
With a deep commitment to partnership, accountability and operational excellence, Dr. Su oversees an annual budget of approximately $350 million to fulfill DCYF's mission of ensuring San Francisco’s children and youth receive the necessary supports to thrive. Her leadership is guided by DCYF's four key result areas:
 

1. Children and Youth are supported by nurturing families and communities,
2. Children and Youth are physically and emotionally healthy,
3. Children and Youth are ready to learn and succeed in school, and
4. Youth are ready for college, work, and productive adulthood.

Dr. Su's journey at DCYF began in 2005 as the Deputy Director, and her dedication and expertise led to her appointment as Department Head by Mayor Gavin Newsom in 2009. In addition to her role at DCYF, Dr. Su serves as a commissioner on San Francisco's Department of Early Childhood (DEC), which includes the First 5 Children and Families Commission, and co-chairs the Juvenile Justice Coordinating Council.

An unyielding advocate for social justice and equitable opportunities, Dr. Su brings a wealth of experience from her tenure in senior management and executive roles in grassroots non-profit organizations and prominent institutions across San Francisco. She holds a Bachelor of Science degree in psychology from Boston University and a Doctor of Psychology degree from Alliant International University. Dr. Su further honed her skills and expertise through pre-doctoral and post-doctoral fellowships at the University of California, San Francisco and the San Francisco Chan-Zuckerberg General Hospital, specializing in children and family therapy.

Dr. Maria Su resides in San Francisco with her husband and two sons.

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