Secretary Kennedy Swears in Alex J. Adams as Assistant Secretary for the Administration for Children and Families

Alex J. Adams, PharmD, MPH, was sworn in today as Assistant Secretary for the Administration for Children and Families (ACF) by U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. 

Assistant Secretary Adams brings years of health, human services, education, and regulatory expertise that will advance President Trump and Secretary Kennedy’s broader vision to Make American Healthy Again. As ACF Assistant Secretary, he will reduce administrative burdens on states and Tribes while upholding accountability, promoting upward economic mobility, increasing access to high-quality, affordable childcare, and accelerating solutions across the child welfare system. 

“Alex Adams is a proven and compassionate leader who has delivered real gains for children and families,” Secretary Kennedy said. “I am confident he will cut red tape, drive efficiency, and put America’s most vulnerable front and center as we work to Make America Healthy Again.”

“Every child deserves a family, and every family deserves the opportunity to achieve the American dream,” Assistant Secretary Adams said. “I am deeply honored to lead ACF and work alongside hundreds of dedicated public servants to achieve meaningful change for America’s children and families.” 

Assistant Secretary Adams previously served as Director of the Idaho Department of Health and Welfare, where he enacted significant changes to improve the state’s foster care system through a focus on kinship placements and family unity. Prior to leading the department, Assistant Secretary Adams served more than five years as Administrator of Idaho’s Division of Financial Management, the governor’s budget and regulatory office, where he led Idaho to become the state with the lightest regulatory burden in the nation. 

“Alex Adams has been a driving force behind some of Idaho’s greatest achievements in recent years. His strategic vision will help the Trump administration make lasting improvements in the lives of American families,” Idaho Governor Brad Little said. 

Assistant Secretary Adams earned his bachelor’s degree and Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD) from the University of Toledo and his Master of Public Health (MPH) from the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health. Assistant Secretary Adams is also a proud and devoted husband and father.