Governor Greg Abbott has appointed Audrey O’Neill as the Commissioner for the Department of Family and Protective Services (DFPS), with her term set to expire on August 31, 2027.
O’Neill, who is based in Austin, currently serves as the acting commissioner of DFPS. Her previous roles at the department include deputy commissioner of programs and assistant deputy commissioner. She has also worked as principal deputy inspector general at the Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General.
O’Neill holds several professional certifications, including Certified Public Accountant through the Texas State Board of Public Accountancy, Certified Fraud Examiner, and Certified Internal Auditor. In addition to her professional experience, she has served as a foster parent and kinship caregiver. She has volunteered with organizations such as Stop Abuse For Everyone Foster and Adopt Program and Children’s International Summer Village. O’Neill earned a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from Southwestern University.
