Leadership

  • Brandie V. Knazze
  • Commissioner
Commissioner Brandie V. Knazze

 

 

Brandie V. Knazze, Commissioner

Chicago Department of Family and Support Services

 

Brandie Knazze is a native Chicagoan and has served as Commissioner of the Department of Family and Support Services (DFSS) since June 2021. As DFSS Commissioner, Ms. Knazze oversees the strategy, operations, budget, and framework for citywide human and social-support initiatives in children services, community service centers, domestic violence, homeless services, senior services, workforce development, and youth services. DFSS’ vast spectrum of services touches almost every Chicago household from birth to senior years.

 

From 2016-2021, Ms. Knazze was DFSS’ First Deputy Commissioner, where she managed daily operations of over 300 staff and the department’s budget of approximately $470 million. Ms. Knazze first joined DFSS in November 2014 as the Deputy Commissioner for IT, Contracts and Program Monitoring.

 

Prior to DFSS, Ms. Knazze held several positions in the public sector, contributing on the senior level at the Chicago Public Library, Cook County Government, and the University of Illinois at Chicago. She also was a management consultant for state and local governments specializing in shared services, management reviews, and efficiency studies. One of her clients was the Guam Power Authority where she helped develop a workforce and succession planning strategy.

 

Ms. Knazze holds a bachelor’s degree in economics and women’s studies from Emory University and a master’s degree in public policy and management, regional economic development and planning from Carnegie Mellon University. She also is a Certified Public Purchasing Officer (CPPO) and a 2016 graduate of the University of Chicago Civic Leadership Academy. In her spare time, Ms. Knazze enjoys reading, traveling, and volunteering.

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