Governor Greg Abbott has appointed Audrey O’Neill as Commissioner of the Department of Family and Protective Services (DFPS), with her term set to expire on August 31, 2027.
O’Neill, based in Austin, is currently serving as the acting commissioner of DFPS. Her previous roles at the agency include deputy commissioner of programs and assistant deputy commissioner. She also worked as principal deputy inspector general at the Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General.
O’Neill holds certifications as a Certified Public Accountant from the Texas State Board of Public Accountancy, a Certified Fraud Examiner, and a Certified Internal Auditor. She has experience as a foster parent and kinship caregiver. In addition, she has volunteered with organizations such as the Stop Abuse For Everyone Foster and Adopt Program and Children’s International Summer Village. O’Neill earned a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from Southwestern University.
