Matthew Gebhardt
Denver
Summary
Seasoned leader with extensive expertise in child welfare systems innovation, leadership development, and community engagement, demonstrating a proven track record in managing comprehensive assessment processes across diverse environments. Possesses a wealth of knowledge in developing and implementing Child Protective Services (CPS) initiatives, including Triple P parenting programming, the Quality Parenting Initiative (QPI), Resource Family Assessment (RFA), and Structured Decision Making (SDM). Executive experience includes oversight of large urban CPS programs, such as CPS Intake and Investigation, along with leadership in multiple agency integration initiatives. Committed to advancing community services through collaborative efforts and fostering inter-divisional partnerships to enhance overall program effectiveness.
Overview
17
17
years of professional experience
Work History
Child Welfare Director
City And County Of Denver - Human Services
07.2023 - Current
- Direct the operational and functional areas of the division, ensuring compliance with child welfare regulations and delivering superior customer service. Represent division priorities and initiatives to internal leadership, external partners, and community stakeholders.
- Lead strategic planning efforts by recommending division goals, implementing approved strategies, and monitoring key performance indicators (KPIs) to drive measurable performance outcomes.
- Manage a large, complex budget for a metropolitan child welfare system, ensuring responsible stewardship of public resources, alignment with strategic priorities, and financial accountability for a division of approximately 400 staff.
- Establish and implement division-wide standards, procedures, systems, and guidelines. Provide expert consultation to elected officials, agency leaders, community partners, and cross-functional teams.
- Manage policies, programs, and operating procedures with a strong focus on fiscal responsibility, ensuring budgets align with established targets and operational needs.
- Supervise, coach, and mentor case management and administrative staff through training, ongoing professional development, and succession planning. Promote a culture of continuous improvement, innovation, accountability, and employee engagement.
- Conduct and guide data-driven evaluations of program effectiveness to identify trends, ensure regulatory adherence, and implement evidence-based practice improvements.
- Strengthen community partnerships to expand service access, support family stability, and advance child welfare outcomes across the division.
- Lead performance management processes, including setting goals, evaluating staff performance, providing constructive feedback, and implementing performance improvement plans when needed.
- Foster a positive, inclusive work environment through recognition, open communication, and team-building, resulting in improved staff satisfaction and retention.
- Provide leadership in safety, risk, and needs assessments for children and families, ensuring high-quality and trauma-informed service delivery.
- Champion innovation and creative problem-solving to enhance client experience and advance organizational effectiveness.
Owner, Principle Consultant - Intermittant
Performance Innovations in Child Protection
01.2010 - Current
- Provide expert guidance and consultation to child protection agencies, state, and federal government to assist in policy development, program evaluation, and quality improvement initiatives.
- Implement evidence-based interventions supporting child safety, permanence, and well-being.
- Collaborated with multidisciplinary teams to conduct strategic planning sessions for CPS program design, including policy/procedure writing and review, training design and curriculum development.
- Evaluate and monitor ongoing services and programs, assessing progress, identifying areas of improvement, and making recommendations for necessary interventions.
- Remote
Sr. Director, Joan B. Poliak Seattle Field Office
Casey Family Programs
02.2019 - 06.2022
- Directed daily operations of the Joan B. Poliak Seattle Field Office, including oversight of administrative and clinical functions for social work and program staff.
- Provided expert consultation to state jurisdictional partners in North Dakota and Washington to improve child welfare practices.
- Participated in ongoing national efforts to improve, provide, and ultimately prevent the need for foster care.
Program Operations Manager, Child Welfare Service
Yolo County HHSA
09.2017 - 12.2018
- Developed and led the administrative team, managed contracts, and oversaw fiscal operations and human resource functioning for Yolo County Child Welfare Services.
- Oversaw day-to-day operations related to policy and program design and delivery, ensuring compliance with reporting requirements, and created innovative data systems and reports for external stakeholders.
- Collaborated with Board of Supervisors and community stakeholders to design and implement an effective child welfare system of intervention.
- Cultivated and maintained effective relationships with stakeholders to ensure high-quality service delivery and achieve critical outcomes.
Director, Child Welfare Services
Napa County HHSA
04.2015 - 12.2016
- Provided direction, leadership, and administration for all elements of the Child Welfare Services division for Napa County HHSA.
- Managed complex county, state, and federal budget administration to ensure compliance with applicable state and federal mandates.
- Cultivated and maintained community relationships to improve service quality and delivery.
Senior Associate
ACTION for Child Protection/NRCCPS
01.2011 - 12.2015
- Led and implemented major child protection initiatives, including training and technical support, in the areas of child protection services, hotline, investigation, in-home, and permanency programs.
- Consulted and contributed to the total transformation of CPS systems in West Virginia, Louisiana, and Clark County, Nevada.
- Led the implementation and delivery of training to NRCCPS and affiliate groups.
Section Chief, Training & Quality Improvement and Access & Initial Assessment
State of Wisconsin, Dept of Children & Families
01.2009 - 01.2011
- Led a team of Program Evaluation Managers within the Bureau of Milwaukee Child Welfare, and managed data, analysis, and program evaluation.
- Managed large, comprehensive training programs and ensured the integrity and fidelity of the programming relative to Bureau-wide implementation of safety intervention and case planning initiatives.
- Developed and maintained community partnerships to ensure continuous collaboration.
Education
Master of Social Work - Child & Family
University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee
Milwaukee01.2001
Master of Arts - Philosophy
University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee
Milwaukee01.1997
Bachelor of Arts - Philosophy
University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee
Milwaukee01.1992
Skills
- Teamwork
- Teamwork and collaboration
- Problem-solving
- Time management
- Excellent communication
- Decision-making
- Written and verbal communication
- Public relations
- Relationship building
Accomplishments
- Supervised team of 400 staff within our Division of Child Welfare
Timeline
Child Welfare Director
City And County Of Denver - Human Services
07.2023 - Current
Sr. Director, Joan B. Poliak Seattle Field Office
Casey Family Programs
02.2019 - 06.2022
Program Operations Manager, Child Welfare Service
Yolo County HHSA
09.2017 - 12.2018
Director, Child Welfare Services
Napa County HHSA
04.2015 - 12.2016
Senior Associate
ACTION for Child Protection/NRCCPS
01.2011 - 12.2015
Owner, Principle Consultant - Intermittant
Performance Innovations in Child Protection
01.2010 - Current
Section Chief, Training & Quality Improvement and Access & Initial Assessment
State of Wisconsin, Dept of Children & Families
01.2009 - 01.2011
Master of Arts - Philosophy
University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee
Bachelor of Arts - Philosophy
University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee
Master of Social Work - Child & Family
University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee
LEADERSHIP & COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT
- Board of Directors
- King County Family Treatment Court
- 2019 - 2022