Rachel Pierre serves as Director of the District’s Department of Human Services (DHS), where she leads a workforce of 1,500 employees and manages a budget exceeding $900 million. With more than two decades of experience in nonprofit and government leadership, Rachel is dedicated to advancing equitable access to housing, youth services, and community-based programs.
Since joining DHS in 2020 as Administrator for the Family Services Administration, she has spearheaded initiatives that strengthen the District’s continuum of care for homelessness services, expand federal Block Grant administration, and enhance youth-focused supports. Rachel twice served as Interim Director, ensuring continuity in agency leadership and driving key policy priorities.
Her career began in child welfare and progressed through senior roles, including Chief Operating Officer at Pathways to Housing DC and leadership positions at Lutheran Social Services. She brings expertise in homeless services, juvenile justice diversion, emergency response coordination, and interagency collaboration.
Rachel holds a B.S. in Finance from James Madison University, an M.S.W. from Howard University, and an MBA from the University of Maryland’s Smith School of Business. She is recognized for her strategic vision, collaborative leadership, and commitment to delivering impactful results for District residents
