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Dutchess’ Social Services Commissioner Named Statewide Public Welfare Group’s 2025 President

Published: 2/3/2025

POUGHKEEPSIE, NY — Dutchess County Department of Community and Family Services (DCFS) Commissioner Sabrina Jaar Marzouka was named the President of the New York Public Welfare Association (NYPWA) for 2025 at the organization’s recent winter conference in Albany. Serving a one-year term as NYPWA president, Commissioner Marzouka will promote partnerships between local social service agencies and state organizations, as she has for years at DCFS, while collaborating with the association’s members to support local social service districts in fulfilling their mission.

Dutchess County Executive Sue Serino, who administered the oath of office to Commissioner Marzouka, said, "Sabrina pours her heart and soul into everything she does, leading a team that goes above and beyond for the neighbors they serve. Her unwavering dedication to helping others has made a lasting impact on Dutchess County, and now, as President of the Social Workers Association, she will continue to be a powerful advocate for those who need it most. From her early work in Haiti to her leadership here in our community, Sabrina has dedicated her life to lifting others up. This appointment is a well-deserved recognition of her passion and commitment, and I couldn’t be prouder to congratulate her on this incredible achievement."

NYPWA is a dynamic partnership of local social services districts dedicated to improving the quality and effectiveness of social welfare policies, ensuring those policies are accountable to taxpayers and protective of vulnerable people. NYPWA provides information, policy analysis and technical assistance to federal, state and local policy makers and direct support to districts. Drawing on her years of building successful community partnerships at DCFS, Commissioner Marzouka, as NYPWA President, will similarly foster collaboration between local social services and state entities, while working with the members of the association to assist local social services districts in meeting their responsibilities of providing human services in an effective and cost-efficient manner.

The NYPWA President presides over the association’s meetings, its Board of Directors meetings and its Officers Committee meetings, as well as oversees all Association business. 

DCFS Commissioner Sabrina Jaar Marzouka said, “To be named President of the New York Public Welfare Association is both a profound honor and a humbling reminder of the responsibility we all share in shaping a better, more compassionate future – in our respective counties and throughout New York. I am grateful for the trust placed in me, inspired by the tireless work of those at DCFS with whom I work daily.  I welcome this opportunity to serve, and I’m committed to advancing our shared mission of uplifting lives and strengthening communities."

At DCFS, Commissioner Marzouka leads a department that served more than 31,000 unduplicated individuals in 2024 across all programs – from temporary assistance, Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program and youth services, to emergency housing, adult and child protective services, foster care and adoption, among others. She has served in Dutchess County Government for more than 28 years, having been appointed in 2015 as Commissioner of DCFS, which provides temporary assistance to sustain low-income and disabled individuals, as well as protects and supports them in achieving the greatest degree of independence. Commissioner Marzouka began her career in County government in the Department of Health (DOH) in 1997, serving in a variety of roles until becoming DOH Assistant Commissioner in 2009.

Having grown up on the Caribbean island of Haiti, Commissioner Marzouka experienced and worked in one of the world's most impoverished areas, marked by intense turmoil and conflict. She served as the Assistant Director of the Centers for Development and Health, one of the largest Haitian not-for-profit agency, from 1985 to 1991, where she oversaw the creation, execution and administration of programs focused on enhancing the quality of life for the Haitian population. This included initiatives in public health, development, education for both children and adults, vocational training, sanitation and infrastructure improvements, as well as micro-enterprise programs.

Founded in 1869, NYPWA is the oldest public welfare association in the country, independently representing New York's 58 local social services districts. The organization is an active partner with government agencies, associations and community organizations and provides information, policy analysis and technical assistance to federal, state and local policymakers and direct support to districts.