Joanne Lehrer, DCYF’s Chief of Staff, is responsible to oversee public and constituency relations and provide administrative support to the Director. She also works closely with the office of practice standards, and administrators and staff from all areas of the department on issues related to hiring and promotions, communications and inter-agency coordination.

Joanne has been with DCYF since its inception in 1980 in policy, planning and operational support. Before that she oversaw youth employment and youth law education programs, and was involved in public information, research and evaluation.

She has a Bachelor’s Degree in Journalism, a Master’s Degree in Public Administration and a Juris Doctor Degree.

Thomas M. Bohan, Esq. was appointed to the position of Executive Director of the Rhode Island Department of Children, Youth and Families on March 10, 1991.  Mr. Bohan joined the Department in September, 1979, as the Department's Legal Counsel. Subsequent to that, he was appointed to the position of Chief Legal Counsel in October, 1983, and Associate Director for Legal Services in July, 1984.

Mr. Bohan is responsible for overseeing support services for the Department's Human Resources, Administrative Review Unit, Licensing, Legal, Administrative Hearing Office, Program Development, Contracts and Standards, Staff Development and Training and Property Management.

Mr. Bohan received his Bachelor of Arts Degree in History from Providence College and his Juris Doctor Degree from Suffolk University School of Law.

Leon Saunders is the Administrator, Management Information Systems.  Mr. Saunders has been Acting Chief of MIS since August of 1999 and has worked at DCYF in the field of information services since he began as a Junior Computer Programmer in 1987. He moved from there to Electronic Computer Programmer, to Senior Systems Analyst, to Principal Systems Analyst, to Chief of Data Operations, to Acting Chief and then Administrator.

As the Administrator of MIS, Mr. Saunders oversees the maintenance and enhancement of the Rhode Island Children's Information System (RICHIST), network support services, field support services, and the department's records center.

He received his Bachelor's degree in Computer Information Systems from Rhode Island College and his Master's degree in Public Administration from the University of Rhode Island.  Mr. Saunders also served for over 18 years in the U.S. Army Reserves and retired at the rank of Captain.

Warren Hurlbut has been the Acting Superintendent for the Division of Juvenile Corrections Services since February 1997. In this position Warren oversees the operation of the Rhode Island Training School, the Juvenile Detention Center, the Young Female Offender Program and Juvenile Probation and Parole services. Prior to his current assignment Warren served as Assistant Director of Human Resources for DCYF from September of 1992 to February 1997.

Warren has extensive experience in Juvenile Corrections at all levels ranging from direct care and clinical services to management and administration dating back to March 1972 when he was first hired a direct care staff at the Rhode Island Training School. In addition, he managed a Residential Treatment Facility in Montgomery County, Maryland for adolescent with serious behavioral health issues for eighteen (18) months starting in March 1991. Warren has served as Adjunct Faulty at Salve Regina University since 1986.

Warren is a graduate of the University of Rhode Island with a Bachelor`s degree in political science and sociology. He also has a Master`s of Social Work degree from Rhode Island College.