Stacie Burgess ACF Director Biography
Stacie B. Burgess serves as the Director of the Office of Communications at the Administration for Children and Families, known as ACF. This office is part of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, or HHS. Her role involves managing how ACF shares information with the public, handles media questions, and responds to urgent situations. ACF focuses on helping children, families, and communities through programs like child care support, refugee aid, and family safety services. Stacie brings more than 25 years of work in communications to this job. She joined ACF in November 2023. Before that, she held key positions in government, education, and health organizations. This article looks at her life and work to show how one person can make a difference in public service. Readers will learn about her background, career steps, successes, and more. The goal is to inform and inspire those interested in communications or government work.
Stacie’s story shows the value of strong communication in helping people. In government agencies, clear messages can build trust and encourage use of services. For example, during health crises, good communication saves lives by sharing facts quickly. Stacie’s experience covers many areas, from local government to national groups. This makes her well-suited for ACF, where programs touch millions of lives each year. ACF runs over 60 programs that help about 50 million people annually. Her work ensures these efforts reach those who need them. As we explore her journey, think about how education and hard work open doors in public service.
Stacie Burgess ACF Director Early Life and Education
Stacie B. Burgess was born in Washington, D.C., around 1970. She grew up in the nation’s capital, a place full of history, politics, and diverse people. This setting likely sparked her interest in communication and public affairs from a young age. Washington, D.C., is home to the U.S. government, museums, and media outlets. Living there gave her early exposure to how information shapes opinions and policies. She has an identical twin sibling, which adds a personal note to her story. Family life in a bustling city like D.C. taught her the importance of clear talking and listening.
For her education, Stacie attended Howard University, a well-known historically Black college in Washington, D.C. She earned her Bachelor of Arts degree in Broadcast Journalism in 1993. This field studies how to report news through TV, radio, and other media. It teaches skills like writing stories, interviewing people, and understanding ethics in journalism. Howard University is famous for training leaders in many fields, especially for African Americans. After her bachelor’s, she continued at Howard and got her Master of Arts in Organizational Communications in 1996. This degree focuses on how groups share information inside and outside their teams. It covers topics like leadership messaging, crisis response, and team building.
Studying at Howard was key for Stacie. The school has a strong focus on community service and social justice. Many graduates go on to work in government or media. For instance, Howard has produced notable figures in journalism and politics. Stacie’s time there built her foundation in telling stories and managing information flow. These skills are vital in public service, where you must explain complex ideas simply. Her education also connected her to a network of professionals. Early on, she worked at Howard University as a media relations manager, which linked her studies to real work. This role let her practice promoting the university’s events and handling press questions.
Education matters because it prepares people for careers. In communications, degrees like Stacie’s teach how to use words and images to inform and persuade. Broadcast journalism helps with media production, while organizational communications deals with business and group strategies. Together, they gave Stacie tools for diverse jobs. Today, many in her field start with similar studies. If you want to follow her path, consider programs that mix theory with hands-on practice. Howard’s emphasis on diversity also shaped her view on inclusive messaging, which is crucial in serving varied communities.
Stacie Burgess ACF Director Career
Stacie Burgess started her career after finishing her master’s degree in 1996. Her first major role was as Media Relations Manager at Howard University and Howard University Hospital. In this job, she handled media for 12 schools, the hospital, and special events. She worked to boost the hospital’s image and get more news coverage for university programs. This early experience taught her how to deal with reporters and create positive stories.
Next, Stacie moved to the American Red Cross, National Capital Chapter, as Public Affairs Manager. The Red Cross helps with disasters and health needs. Here, she managed public information during emergencies and everyday operations. This built her skills in crisis communications, which means responding fast to bad situations with clear facts.
She then became Director of Communications for the Sisters of Mercy of the Americas Institute. This group focuses on charity and social services. Stacie oversaw messaging to members and the public, promoting their work in health and education.
A big step came when she joined the Lawyers’ Committee for Civil Rights Under Law as the first Director of Communications and External Affairs. This organization fights for equal rights. She led efforts for the National Civil Rights Coalition on Police Reform and Election Protection in 2016. Her work included national campaigns on voting rights, housing, and employment.
Stacie then took executive roles in Baltimore County Government in Maryland. First, as Communications Director for the Office of the County Executive. She managed all public messages from the leader’s office. Later, she became Chief of Communications and Constituent Services for the Department of Health and Human Services. Here, she handled communications for health programs, like vaccine drives for hard-to-reach groups and plans to cut opioid deaths.
After that, Stacie went to American University as Director of Public Affairs. She dealt with issues, crises, and public engagement. Working with school leaders, she ensured smooth information flow during tough times.
In April 2021, Fenway Health named her Vice President of Communications, making her the first African American on their leadership team. Fenway focuses on LGBTQIA+ health and advocacy. Stacie started on May 17, 2021, and stayed until 2023. She used her skills to advance their mission of quality care and education.
Finally, in November 2023, Stacie joined ACF as Director of the Office of Communications. ACF supports families through programs like Head Start for early learning, child support enforcement, and aid for refugees. Her job includes media relations, public outreach, and promoting these services. This role fits her background in health, rights, and government.
Throughout her career, Stacie has shown growth from entry-level to leadership. Each job added skills in strategy, media, and policy. She has worked in nonprofits, education, local government, and now federal level. This path educates on how varied experiences build expertise. In communications, adaptability is key, as tools like social media change fast. Stacie’s moves show planning and seizing chances.
Stacie Burgess ACF Director Achievements
Stacie Burgess has many successes over her 25-plus years. One key achievement is her historic role at Fenway Health in 2021 as the first African American leader there. This broke barriers and promoted diversity in health leadership.
At the Lawyers’ Committee, she led communications for major coalitions. During the 2016 election, her work on Election Protection helped protect voting rights. She designed campaigns that raised awareness on civil rights issues like police reform.
In Baltimore County, as Chief of Communications for Health Services, she managed efforts to reduce opioid overdoses. Her team ran vaccine clinics for underserved people, improving public health access.
At Howard University, she strengthened the hospital’s brand and increased media coverage for events. This helped the university’s reputation.
Stacie launched two news talk radio programs early in her career. She also produced many videos for organizations, showing her media production skills.
Her appointment to ACF in 2023 marks another milestone, bringing her expertise to federal family services. There, she enhances outreach for programs aiding millions.
These wins show her impact on equity and health. She has built ties with leaders in civil rights, LGBTQIA+ communities, and government. Her work promotes inclusion and effective messaging.
Achievements like these teach that success comes from dedication and innovation. In public service, measuring impact by lives helped is important. Stacie’s efforts have likely touched thousands through better information and programs.
Stacie Burgess ACF Director Personal Life
Stacie B. Burgess keeps much of her personal life private. She is about 56 years old as of 2026. Born in Washington, D.C., she identifies as American. Her religion is Christian. Details about her husband or family beyond her twin are not public.
Growing up with a twin may have taught her teamwork and sharing. Her D.C. roots connect her to public service values. Outside work, she likely enjoys activities tied to her interests in community and communication.
Personal balance is key for leaders like Stacie. High-stress jobs need time for rest and hobbies. Her story reminds us that professionals have lives beyond careers.
Conclusion
Stacie B. Burgess’s journey from D.C. student to ACF director inspires. Her education at Howard University set the stage for a career full of impact. Through roles in media, government, and health, she has advanced communication for good causes. Her achievements highlight breaking barriers and helping communities. In personal life, she values privacy while living her faith.
This look at Stacie shows how one person’s work can support families nationwide. Readers can learn from her path: pursue education, gain diverse experience, and focus on service. Follow ACF for updates on her contributions. Think about how you can use skills to help others.
FAQs
Who is Stacie Burgess ACF Director?
Stacie B. Burgess is the Director of the Office of Communications at ACF since November 2023. She oversees public messaging for family and child programs.
What is Stacie Burgess’s educational background?
She holds a BA in Broadcast Journalism (1993) and MA in Organizational Communications (1996) from Howard University.
What roles has Stacie Burgess held before ACF?
Before ACF, she was VP at Fenway Health (2021-2023), Director at American University, and roles in Baltimore County Government and others.
What are Stacie Burgess’s major achievements?
Her achievements include historic leadership at Fenway, leading civil rights campaigns, and health initiatives in Baltimore.
How old is Stacie Burgess?
Stacie is approximately 56 years old in 2026.
What religion is Stacie Burgess?
She is Christian.
Who is Stacie Burgess’s husband?
Her marital status is not publicly disclosed.
What is Stacie Burgess’s net worth?
Estimates suggest $1 million to $3 million, but this is approximate and based on career earnings.
What does the ACF Director of Communications do?
The role involves managing media, public engagement, and promoting ACF programs like Head Start and child welfare.
How does ACF support families?
ACF provides aid through child care, family violence prevention, refugee resettlement, and more, serving millions yearly.