Kathryn Ptak, DCS Director
Kathryn Ptak is the Director of the Arizona Department of Child Safety.
Kathryn brought nearly 12 years of experience in child welfare and public service to the Department when Governor Katie Hobbs appointed her to the position in January 2025.
Kathryn is an attorney who earned her Juris Doctor degree from DePaul University. Her legal career began at the Arizona Attorney General’s Office where she represented DCS as an Assistant Attorney General.
She then joined DCS as Deputy General Counsel where she played an integral role in creating a court-authorized removal system for the Department and passing legislation to consolidate the number of reports DCS has to generate every year from 100 reports to 4 reports.
Kathryn left DCS to serve as the Executive Director at the Arizona Board of Executive Clemency and then as Public Policy Director at Casey Family Programs. She returned to DCS in May 2023 where she has served as DCS’s General Counsel.
Throughout her career, Ptak has demonstrated a proven ability to implement innovative strategies, foster community partnerships, and advocate for policies that promote the safety and well-being of children.
Under Ptak’s leadership, the department will continue its work to enhance services, improve outcomes, and uphold its commitment to strengthening Arizona’s families.
