OCYF Welcomes Debbie Oldenettel as Director

CDHS is excited to announce that Debbie Oldenettel is joining CDHS as the new director of the Office of Children, Youth and Families. 

Debbie brings a wealth of experience and expertise in human services, criminal justice and public health, making her an invaluable addition to the team. We are tremendously grateful to Mollie Bradlee, who has been serving as both the deputy director and interim director of OCYF while we searched for the right person to lead this critically important Office.

Debbie’s versatile background, strategic vision, collaborative approach and passion for supporting underserved populations make her the ideal candidate to lead our efforts in this important area.

Debbie’s journey in public service spans more than two decades. As deputy director at the Division of Criminal Justice at the Colorado Department of Public Safety, she led and oversaw various offices and programs that addressed crime prevention, juvenile diversion, community corrections and victim services, among others. Prior to this, Debbie served as the director of Broomfield Health and Human Services, where she successfully managed a diverse range of services, including child welfare, public health, workforce development and senior services.

Throughout her career, Debbie has demonstrated exceptional leadership and a strong commitment to improving the lives of individuals and families in our community. Her accomplishments range from designing and managing a new child welfare agency in Broomfield, to drafting legislation aimed at statewide crime prevention and intervention. She also has a passion for enhancing cross-system collaboration and is dedicated to driving positive change.

In this new position, Debbie will play a pivotal role in shaping and implementing policies and programs that support the well-being of children, youth and families across Colorado. She holds a Master of Public Administration from the Maxwell School of Citizenship and Public Affairs at Syracuse University, along with a Bachelor of Arts in public affairs and sociology from the University of Denver. In her free time, Debbie loves to read, compete in triathlons, hike and spend time with her family.

Debbie will start in her new role on June 10.