Commissioner Margaret Schultze

The Virginia Department of Social Services touches the lives of thousands of individuals and families in the Commonwealth. Margaret Ross Schultze is committed to ensuring that many of Virginia's most vulnerable residents have access to the services and benefits available to them.

Her experience in state government began in 1997. As director of the gubernatorially appointed Family and Children's Trust Fund, Margaret Schultze raised resources — and awareness — for the prevention and treatment of family violence, including child abuse and neglect, domestic violence, sexual assault, and elder abuse. Her tenure with FACT led to increasingly responsible roles within the Department culminating in her current position as Commissioner.

Ms. Schultze oversees both programmatic and administrative functions within the Virginia Department of Social Services. VDSS is one of the largest Commonwealth agencies, partnering with 120 local departments of social services, along with faith-based and non-profit organizations, to strengthen families and improve communities statewide.

A native of Roanoke, Virginia, she graduated from Hollins University (formerly Hollins College) with a Bachelor of Arts in Biology and a teacher certification. Prior to her work in human services, she was the Director of Financial Aid for Roanoke College. Margaret and her husband live in Midlothian.