Jovon Perry, director of Economic Assistance and Employment Supports, Children and Family Services, joined the department in January 2016. She is the first African-American woman to hold her position in recent history. Perry is responsible for managing the Minnesota Family Investment Program, Diversionary Work Program, Resettlement Programs Office, Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program and Food Stamp Treasury Offset Program, while simultaneously leading staff in improving outcomes for Minnesota families with low incomes and improving supports for families struggling to achieve economic stability.
Prior to beginning her tenure at the Minnesota Department of Human Services, Perry served as the client and family services director at Northpoint Health and Wellness Center, Inc., and the Urban Institute director of Pillsbury United. She has volunteered for numerous community organizations, including Hope Academy, Oak Park Center and Conflict Resolution and Pillsbury United Communities, all located in Minneapolis
Shortly after starting with the department, Perry was interviewed by The Minnesota Spokesman-Recorder and KMOJ-FM’s "Morning Show," where she spoke about her experiences growing up in North Minneapolis and her approach to serving Minnesotans as being “client-focused and holistic."
