Social Security History

April 11, 1953 to November 23, 1953 (Acting)
and, February 4, 1959 to April 3, 1962

William L. Mitchell
(1900 - 1983)

William Mitchell was born in Newark, New Jersey and attended George Washington University. He went to work for the U.S. Park Service in 1922 and subsequently joined the Social Security Board in 1936. He served as Director of its Bureau of Business Management until he was named Assistant Executive Director of the Board two years later. In 1947, Mr. Mitchell was named SSA’s Deputy Commissioner and held that position until his appointment as Commissioner of Social Security in 1959. He retired from this position in 1962.