MIDDLEBURG – The board of directors at Kids First of Florida has announced the selection of Elizabeth Franco as Chief Executive Officer for the nonprofit agency. The organization provides child welfare and adoption services in Clay County.

Franco comes to the agency with extensive experience working with children, families, and professionals in the Child Welfare System in Clay County. As the previous Director of Clinical Operations at Clay Behavioral Health Center, she possesses expertise in Family Centered Practice, Trauma Informed Care, Foster Parent needs, and Substance Exposed Newborns. Mrs. Franco has been responsible for developing programming for behavioral health services for at-risk children and families involved with the Child Welfare system. Her many partnerships within the community will enhance KFF's ability to provide quality services to children and families and will offer additional opportunities to further develop the system of care. Elizabeth looks forward to working with staff and community partners.

“I look forward to building stronger partnerships with our community resources,” Franco said.

Irene Toto, who had served as the CEO for both Kids First of Florida and Clay Behavioral Health Center for 16 years, will continue to serve as the CEO at Clay Behavioral Health Center. She is excited about the addition of a new CEO at Kids First.

“As the two agencies have grown, we recognized that individual leadership would help both agencies meet all new challenges,” Toto said. “We are all excited about this next chapter for Kids First and we know that Elizabeth will lead the great team at KFF to achieve even more successful outcomes for children and families. We look forward to working together to build a healthier community.”

Kids First will be scheduling meetings for adoptive and foster families and other community stakeholders to meet with the new CEO.

Kids First of Florida is a community-based nonprofit agency that provides child welfare and foster care services in Clay County. There are currently approximately 300 children in care at Kids First of Florida. Clay Behavioral Health Center annually provides mental health and substance abuse disorder counseling and treatment to approximately 4,500 adults, teens, children and families in Clay County.