DENVER (Oct. 13, 2025) — After an extensive search, the Colorado Department of Human Services (CDHS) is pleased to announce that Alex Stojsavljevic will serve as the next director of the Division of Youth Services (DYS), effective today.
“We are excited to have Alex Stojsavljevic join CDHS and lead DYS to forward our mission of empowering Coloradans to thrive,” said CDHS Executive Director Michelle Barnes. “His leadership, experience and dedication to the juvenile justice system will strengthen the division’s already robust vision to achieve youth success and create safer Colorado communities.”
Throughout his career, Stojsavljevic has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to youth, serving at the Ohio Department of Youth Services, where he gained experience in facility leadership, compliance oversight and advancing youth rehabilitation. Under his leadership, facilities saw a decrease in victimization and improved standards of care. Additionally, he served at the Department of Justice, where he led the Prison Rape Elimination Act management office, oversaw critical grant funding and helped find solutions to complex systemic challenges in both adult and juvenile corrections.
“Working with justice-involved youth, they’ve often never had a chance at opportunity, success or to do better,” said Stojsavljevic. “Together, we can give youth the opportunity to succeed, along with the knowledge, skills and tools to successfully step into Colorado communities.”
As director of DYS, Stojsavljevic will have a critical role in improving outcomes for Colorado youth through bold and innovative health and human services that provide effective supervision, promote accountability and help youth lead constructive lives.
The Colorado Department of Human Services collaborates with partners in State and county governments, nonprofits, advocates, community residents, providers and many others to empower Coloradans to thrive through bold and innovative health and human services.
Media contact:
AnneMarie Harper
Director of Communications
annemarie.harper@state.co.us
601.566.9271