In Movement: 7 Questions with Dan Powers, LCSW-S | Children’s Advocacy Center of Collin County | Texas
October 6, 2026
Welcome to In Movement! In this segment of our blog, we interview thought leaders from within our own organizations – from CACs and MDTs and partner agencies – to gain insight into how they have furthered the movement, and how the movement has changed them. We look forward to benefiting from the lessons they’ve learned, the challenges they’ve faced, and the future they envision for themselves, our centers and teams, and the children and families we serve.
When Dan Powers, LCSW-S began working as a CPS investigator in Dallas in 1988, he expected it would be one stop along a larger professional journey. While earning his Master of Social Work degree at night, he envisioned pursuing a different path after graduation. Instead, the work continued to call him back. Over the years, Dan has experienced countless moments that reinforced the belief that supporting children and families is exactly where he was meant to be.
Today, as Chief Executive Officer of the Children’s Advocacy Center of Collin County, Dan leads an organization serving one of the fastest-growing regions in the country. As communities across Collin County continue to expand, so does the need for child advocacy services. Meeting that need requires thoughtful planning, strong partnerships, and a commitment to ensuring children and families have access to the support and resources they need when they need them most.
Throughout his career, Dan has remained focused on a simple but powerful goal: helping create safe communities where children can grow into resilient, connected, and emotionally healthy adults. Whether reflecting on the importance of self-care, preparing for the challenges that come with rapid community growth, or envisioning a future where every child is safe, loved, and supported, his answers reveal a deep commitment to both the mission and the people it serves.
We asked Dan to participate in our Member Spotlight Interview Series. Read on to learn more about his journey, what continues to inspire his work, and his vision for the future of children and families.
Why did you choose this as a career?
I don’t think I chose this mission; it chose me. I started my career in 1988 as a CPS investigator in Dallas while earning my MSW at night. My plan was to graduate and eventually pursue something different. But there was another plan for me that I didn’t know at the time. Throughout my career, there have been many moments when I’ve realized this is exactly where I was meant to be.
What’s something interesting you’ve learned recently?
It wasn’t so much that I learned something new as that I was reminded of something, the importance of taking care of myself. Especially recently, I tend to focus on work, commitments, and the people around me before considering my own needs. I was reminded to slow down, create space, and invest time in my own well-being. I know that taking care of myself ultimately allows me to be more present, energized, and a better leader.
What’s a challenge you and your colleagues feel proud of solving?
Collin County currently dominates the list of the nation’s fastest-growing cities, with four of the top five within our borders. As our community grows, so does the need our services. I’m proud of how our staff and board of directors have responded by making sure we have the people, resources, and partnerships in place to support the children and families we serve. While we have not technically “solved” the issue, we continue to rise to the challenge and are committed to think strategically, stay flexible, and be intentional about how we grow, so we can continue to meet our community’s growing needs.
What about your work inspires you and keeps you going?
With our help, kids will heal, and evil will not win.
What’s the biggest need for kids you think we can meet in the next five years?
The biggest need we can meet in the next five years is to help provide safe communities for kids, so they can become resilient, connected, and emotionally healthy. Everything else tends to build on that foundation.
What do you think the ideal future looks like for kids?
Every child is safe, loved, and belongs to a community. They receive opportunities to learn and grow and have the chance to discover and contribute to making the world a better place.
What’s next for you?
Staying faithful to this mission while leading this amazing group of people in creating an even brighter future for the kids in the growing community we serve.
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Learn more about Children’s Advocacy Center of Collin County
