ATLANTA – Governor Nathan Deal appointed Virginia Pryor as Director of the Georgia Division of Family and Children Services (DFCS), effective March 16. Pryor has served as Interim Director of DFCS since November 2017. She replaces former Director Bobby Cagle, who left the agency last fall to lead the Los Angeles County Department of Children and Family Services.
 
Pryor came to the Division in January 2015 to serve as Deputy Director of Child Welfare and was later promoted to Chief of Staff in July 2017. She has 27 years of experience in child welfare and has served in 46 child welfare jurisdictions.
 
“Protecting the interests of Georgia’s youngest and most vulnerable citizens remains our top priority, as each child deserves to grow up in a supportive environment that leads to continued success,” said Gov. Deal. “Virginia Pryor has been a longtime advocate for the wellbeing and safety of all children. In her time with the Division of Family and Children Services, including as interim director, she has played a vital role in the administration of the division and helped to secure better outcomes for children. As director, she will continue her great work to protect the interests of those she serves to improve the lives of Georgia families.”
 
“It is an honor for me to be asked to lead the Division as the new Director,” said Pryor. “As we continue the evolution of our reform effort on our journey toward a State of Hope, our number one priority remains keeping children safe."