(503) 222-4044, Ext. 119
desimmons@nicwa.org

David Simmons has over 30 years of professional experience in child welfare services as a direct service provider and in program and policy development.  His primary focus has been on improving child welfare and children’s mental health services to American Indian and Alaskan Native children.  He currently is the Director of Government Affairs and Advocacy at the National Indian Child Welfare Association in Portland, Oregon, and works extensively with tribal, federal, and state governments, and private organizations.  He is a nationally recognized expert on public policy issues affecting American Indian and Alaskan Native children and has lead successful efforts to improve tribal policies and funding in federal programs such as Family First Prevention Services Act, TANF, Child Care Developmental Block Grant, Title IV-E Foster Care and Adoption Assistance, Title IV-B Child Welfare Services, Promoting Safe and Stable Families, and Indian Child Welfare Act.  He is also an accomplished trainer and technical assistance provider with experience in a variety of program development areas.