Elie S. Ward
Elie Ward received her M.S.W. in 1988 from the School of Social Welfare. Throughout her distinguished career, she has demonstrated strong leadership and a clear commitment to the health and well- being of children in New York State.
Since 1992, Ms. Ward has served as Executive Director of Statewide Youth Advocacy, Inc. Prior to her current position, she was Deputy Director for Policy for the Statewide Youth Advocacy, Inc. She is responsible for all facets of agency operation. This advocacy organization strives to influence public policy on issues involving children in New York State including child welfare, health, welfare, and juvenile justice. She has been instrumental in developing and implementing legislative strategies to improve the lives of the youth in New York State. Ms. Ward has directly influenced welfare reform in New York State. Her tireless bipartisan education efforts influenced legislators to reach common ground in preserving family supports for children. She has also been an advocate for Child Health Plus, the New York child health care program that has received national recognition for its progressive nature and effective results.
Elie Ward's career has been a progression of positions of advocacy. As a Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor for the Massachusetts Rehabilitation Commission she was responsible for case management and direct services to 100 emotionally disturbed clients. She served as Program Manager in the Pittsfield Women's Services Center where she developed comprehensive county-wide services for victims of domestic violence. While the Director of Human Services in the Office of Community Development in Pittsfield, Massachusetts, she was responsible for evaluating human service delivery systems and assessing human service needs. Her focus on youth issues may have developed from her service as Director of Program Planning and Development for the Berkshire Farm Center where she designed and implemented innovative approaches to place Family Court involved children in residential and community based programs. A focus on prevention has distinguished Ms. Ward's philosophy and has shaped her creative public policy ideas.