Children & Families First, one of Delaware’s oldest and most trusted non-profit organizations dedicated to helping children and families thrive, announces the appointment of Brian Maxwell as Chief Financial Officer (CFO), effective January 8th, 2024. Maxwell will succeed John Wood, Chief Financial Officer for the past 5 years, as Wood moves on to retirement.

“Brian is an accomplished CFO with a proven track record of successful financial and operational leadership across both private and public sectors,“ said Kirsten Olson, Chief Executive Officer. “I welcome him to our leadership team with excitement, noting that his demonstrated commitment to integrity, authenticity, and collaboration is in full alignment with and will serve to further strengthen the mission, vision, and values of Children & Families First.”

A lifelong Delawarean and graduate of the University of Delaware, Maxwell most recently served as the Chief Operating Officer (COO) for the Office of Delaware State Treasurer. Prior to joining the Treasurer’s office, he served as the Chief Financial Officer (CFO) for St. Andrew’s School in Middletown and in various county and state government positions for more than 13 years. His accomplishments include assisting the Meyer administration with a long-term balanced financial plan and increasing transparency for county spending; his appointment by Governor Markell and confirmation by the Delaware State Senate to serve as the Director of the Office of Management of Budget; and the presentation of the Order of the First State - an honor bestowed for meritorious service. Earlier in his career, Brian spent a number of years in the private financial services sector.

Expressing his own excitement Maxwell stated, “I consider it an honor to join and work for an organization that has such a powerful legacy of being mission driven and strives for excellence in providing services to children and families.”

This mission of Children & Families First is to champion children and families using evidence-based, equity-centered, and innovative approaches. Guided by a vision of diverse, healthy, and resilient communities where all children and families thrive, the organization strives to support all phases of child development and family life, offering more than 25 programs and services statewide to create lasting and positive change for our whole community. Maxwell will oversee the financial operations of Children & Families First, working collaboratively with the executive leadership team and the Board of Directors. His role will be crucial in supporting the organization’s mission, vision, and future.

“Children & Families First is a fantastic organization with a powerful legacy of truly helping children and families,” said retiring CFO John Wood, “As I step down from this role to enter the next phase of my life, I am confident that Brian’s knowledge, experience, and skills will play a pivotal role in ensuring the organization’s continued financial sustainability and success.”

About Children & Families First

Children & Families First is one of Delaware's oldest and most trusted non-profit leaders. Driven by our mission to champion children and families using evidence-based, equity-centered, & innovative approaches, we use brain science research from the Harvard Center for the Developing Child and the collective strength of our varied professional backgrounds to work at the cross section of trauma-informed care practices and equity, diversity, and inclusion driving positive change that has proven to build diverse, healthy, and resilient communities where all children and families thrive. www.cffde.org.

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