Champion Profile: Trish Ploehn Leads LA County Dept. of Children and Family Services

Champion Profile: features individuals who exemplify First 5 LA's tagline, "Champions for Our Children."

Trish Ploehn is the newly-appointed director of LA County Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS). She heads a $1.5 billion organization with 7,000 employees, charged with administering protective services, foster care, and adoption of children in accordance with government requirements.

Beginning her DCFS career in 1979, she is the first director to be selected from within the department. Ploehn formerly served as a treatment counselor, social worker, assistant regional administrator, and deputy director.

She earned a BA in sociology from Cal State LA and a master's in social work from Cal State Long Beach.

Which book has most influenced your life?
The Bible.

What makes you happy?
Having time to think, plan complete tasks, and enjoy family and friends.

Which historical figure do you most admire?
Caleb from the Bible (for whom my son is named), for his truthfulness and faithfulness.

What is your idea of a perfect world?
Where work and play are balanced with a tolerance of differences and an appreciation of each person's uniqueness.

What is the greatest challenge faced by children and families in LA County?
The ability to develop, value, and maintain a strong family foundation despite conflicting priorities of the outside world.

Which living person do you most admire?
David Sanders, the previous DCFS director, a brilliant man who always made leadership look easy and people feel important.

What is your motto?
"Believe in the goodness of people; they will generally live up to your expectations."