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As the youngest commissioner ever appointed to the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services (DFPS), Audrey O’Neill ’03 brings more than two decades of commitment to supporting the success of children, families, and vulnerable adults. After graduating cum laude from Southwestern University with a bachelor of arts in political science, she began her career in state government, going on to serve 15 years with the State Auditor’s Office and in senior leadership roles within the Texas Health and Human Services Commission’s Office of Inspector General. O’Neill joined DFPS in 2023 and advanced through key positions before being named commissioner; she now provides strategic oversight and direction to the agency while leading more than 13,000 employees statewide. A certified public accountant, certified internal auditor, and certified fraud examiner, she earned statewide recognition as a top-ten scorer on the CPA exam. As a former foster parent and a kinship parent, O’Neill pairs professional expertise with lived experience. She remains closely connected to Southwestern, returning often to mentor students and speak about ethical leadership and public service.