Ann Knefel, Ph.D.
About Ann Knefel, Ph.D.
Ann Knefel, Ph.D., is a Child Welfare Senior Manager at Maximus with over 15 years of experience in social and human service agencies, specializing in child welfare, juvenile justice, and behavioral health.
Current Role at Maximus
Ann Knefel has held the position of Child Welfare Senior Manager at Maximus since 2021. In this role, she is responsible for overseeing child welfare programs, implementing strategic initiatives, and ensuring program effectiveness. Her responsibilities include managing a team of professionals, coordinating with government agencies, and improving service delivery to meet the needs of children and families.
Previous Positions in Child Welfare and Behavioral Health
Ann Knefel has accumulated extensive experience in child welfare and behavioral health sectors through various roles. She served as Product Manager (Child Welfare SME) at Advanced (CareDirector) from 2016 to 2021, focusing on product management and child welfare subject matter expertise. From 2015 to 2016, she was a Technical Assistance Specialist at Capacity Building Center for States - ICF International. She also worked as Outcomes and Evaluation Program Manager at Loudoun County Mental Health, Substance Abuse and Developmental Services from 2014 to 2015, and as Quality Assurance Supervisor at Fairfax County Department of Family Services from 2011 to 2014.
Early Career and Research Experience
Ann Knefel's early career includes roles that laid the foundation for her expertise in child welfare and social services. From 2007 to 2011, she worked as a Management Analyst at Fairfax County Juvenile and Domestic Relations Court. She also worked briefly as a Market Research Analyst at Market Connections Inc in 2006. Her research experience includes a position as Lead Researcher at American University from 2005 to 2006, where she honed her skills in data analysis and program evaluation.
Academic Background in Sociology
Ann Knefel holds a Ph.D. in Sociology from Virginia Tech, which she earned between 2001 and 2004. Prior to that, she achieved an MA in Sociology from Morgan State University, completing her studies there from 1997 to 1999. Her academic background has provided her with a strong foundation in research methods, social theory, and data analysis, all of which have significantly contributed to her professional roles.
Expertise in Child Welfare and Human Services
With over 15 years of experience, Ann Knefel has become an expert in providing strategic and functional support to social and human service agencies. Her areas of expertise include child welfare, juvenile justice, and behavioral health. She is known for her goal-oriented strategies and her ability to implement effective programs that meet the needs of both the agencies she supports and the communities they serve.