Dr. Michael A. Becketts
Dr. Michael A. Becketts has dedicated his career to public service with over 25 years committed to the health, safety, and well-being of vulnerable people. As the current Director of the Fairfax County Department of Family Services, he leads a multifaceted organization with divisions spanning Adult & Aging Services, Children, Youth, & Family Services, Domestic and Sexual Violence Services, and Public Benefits and Employment Services.
His journey in public service began on the front lines as a child welfare social worker in the Washington, D.C. foster care system. This foundational experience informed his subsequent leadership roles, including serving as Deputy Director of the Baltimore City Department of Social Services and as Assistant Secretary for Human Services in the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services. In each position, he has worked to authentically engage communities and reform large-scale systems to better serve the public and build trust.
An advocate for innovation and systemic change, Dr. Becketts has been a thought leader in his field. He holds an array of academic credentials, including a Ph.D. from Widener University, an MSW from the University of Maryland, Baltimore, and additional master's degrees in health administration and education. His unique blend of practical, on-the-ground experience and scholarly expertise will be an invaluable asset to the college board.