Mayor Krewson Creates Office of Children, Youth, and Families

Mayor Lyda Krewson has created a new office with the singular purpose of making sure St. Louis’ children have the support and resources needed to lead productive and successful lives. 

Krewson created the Office of Children, Youth, and Families through Executive Order No. 64.

On Tuesday, Krewson appointed Wilford Pinkney Jr. as the office’s director, a cabinet-level position that reports directly to the mayor. 

In this role, Pinkney will be responsible for developing strategies to prepare children for success and productivity

Pinkney has been working in St. Louis for the past year as part of the FUSE Executive Fellowship Program, where he has been focused on finding alternatives to cash bail. 

He formerly worked as an executive in the New York City Police Department, a professor of public policy for a number of New York-area colleges and universities, and is the founder of a management and consulting company specializing in capacity building and organizational development. 

“Wil’s years of policy analysis and capacity building make him the ideal candidate for this position,” Mayor Krewson said. “His work as a FUSE fellow in St. Louis demonstrates his commitment to our community, and his leadership will ensure that children, youth, and families have the resources and opportunities necessary for success.” 

Pinkney has a Master of Public Administration from New York University and a Master of Arts in political science from City University New of York Graduate Center. He is currently a doctoral candidate in political science at the Graduate Center, CUNY, where he specializes in public policy and American politics.

The Incarnate Word Foundation, the St. Louis Community Foundation, and the City of St. Louis Mental Health Board of Trustees will provide a grant to the City to fund the director position for the first three years. In the fourth year and beyond, the City will fund the position.