2025 John McDermott Champion of Children Award: Sherry Ermel

We are delighted to name Sherry Ermel, bureau chief of field services for the New Hampshire Division for Children, Youth and Families (DCYF), as this year’s Champion of Children. With more than 30 years of service in child welfare Sherry has devoted her career to advocating for and protecting the well-being of children and families. She has served in numerous roles, from a child protection service worker and supervisor to key leadership positions over the past 13 years. In her current role she oversees child protection, juvenile justice, and constituent relations for DCYF, driving policy and practice that make a real difference in the lives of New Hampshire’s children.

Sherry is widely respected for her deep knowledge of New Hampshire’s child welfare system, her unwavering commitment to collaboration, and her ability to build strong, strategic partnerships across state agencies and community organizations. Her work has strengthened outcomes for families and children throughout New Hampshire. Her impact reaches across sectors through her involvement with the New England Association of Child Welfare Commissioners and Directors, the NH Model Court Project, and several multidisciplinary review committees. She has collaborated extensively with CASA of NH, the Child Advocacy Centers, the Office of the Child Advocate, the NH Attorney General’s Office and more.

Sherry’s contributions have been recognized with both the NH Director’s Exemplary Leadership Award and the Spirit of NH Award, recognizing her efforts and excellent leadership. Tonight, we are proud to add another well-deserved honor to that list.

About the John McDermott Champion of Children Award

John McDermott was a man whose life was committed to changing the future for New Hampshire’s youth. He spent his entire career in law enforcement and juvenile justice working diligently to improve the lives of children. John knew and believed the committed work of one or many could, and would, change the course of events and impact generations to come. John McDermott’s life was an example of how relentless advocacy can move mountains and turn the thinking of a single child in need around. The John McDermott Champion of Children Award is an annual award that celebrates the work of one person whose tireless advocacy has influenced the lives of many.