Robert Nelkin, policy initiatives director for Pitt’s Office of Child Development, has been appointed executive director of Governor Edward Rendell’s Cabinet on Children and Families. The 11-member cabinet was established by executive order in 2003 to coordinate and streamline services for children and families among various government agencies.

“The Children’s Cabinet is integral to my agenda for bolstering state efforts on behalf of our greatest resource—our children,” said Rendell. “Bob has extensive and varied experience with children’s issues, and I am confident that his proven track record for getting things done will be a great asset in taking the cabinet to the next level.”

As executive director of the cabinet, Nelkin also will work with the Governor’s Commission for Children and Families, a statewide advisory commission whose mandate is to identify the barriers that impede effective service for children and families and to propose solutions to the problems.

“The cabinet has already had some great success in helping young children learn and grow,” said Nelkin. “I am looking forward to building upon these successes and improving outcomes for young children.”

Nelkin has spent 35 years as an advocate for children and for people with disabilities. He has worked on public policy initiatives in the private and public sectors. His government experience includes work at the local, state, and federal levels. Nelkin had leadership positions in Allegheny County from 1984 to 1996, serving as executive assistant to the chair of the Allegheny Board of Commissioners and as director of the Department of Human Services. During those years, he was an innovator and accomplished administrator in many fields, including infant health, children’s health care, parenting, juvenile justice, children’s mental health, and community mental retardation services. He also was involved in efforts to alleviate homelessness.

Nelkin’s services to the Commonwealth will be provided through a contract with Pitt’s Office of Child Development, part of the School of Education. At Pitt, Nelkin has developed policy initiatives on family support, quality early care and education, early literacy, youth development, reducing smoking during pregnancy, behavioral health, and children’s health insurance.