KENNETH APFEL TAKES CHARGE OF SOCIAL SECURITY ADMINISTRATION

"Kenneth Apfel is a proven leader with a long, distinguished record of exemplary public service," President Clinton said of the new Social Security Commissioner. "He brings the ideal combination of knowledge, experience, and integrity to the position and will do an outstanding job of guiding Social Security into the next millennium."

The Commissioner quickly pointed to a number of critical issues facing Social Security in remarks before some 600 Social Security employees and Federal, State, and local dignitaries.

"We must address the long-term solvency of the Social Security program while ensuring that current and future generations of America's citizens continue to be provided a floor of protection," Apfel said. "The truth is that the demographic changes confronting us will force tough choices to be made, and the sooner we make them, the better.

"One of my most important roles will be to help people understand Social Security today so they will be prepared to help make the tough choices to ensure that economic security will be there for them tomorrow," Apfel explained. "But we cannot make these choices in a vacuum. Critical discussions about the future of Social Security need to take place not only in Committee hearing rooms on Capitol Hill, but also in family living rooms all across America."

Sworn in by John J. Callahan, Acting Commissioner of Social Security since March 1, Apfel also pledged to fight program fraud and guarantee equity for all beneficiaries and claimants, including disabled children who receive Supplemental Security Income benefits.

Apfel has a distinguished public service career, having served as the Associate Director for Human Resources at the Office of Management and Budget and Health and Human Services Assistant Secretary for Management and Budget. Prior to joining the Clinton Administration, he worked in various social policy positions in the Federal sector.

Apfel is the first confirmed Commissioner of Social Security since SSA became an independent agency in 1995. His term will expire on January 19, 2001.

He will be responsible for administering the Social Security Retirement, Disability and Survivors Insurance programs that pay $353 billion annually in benefits to some 43.7 million beneficiaries, as well as the Supplemental Security Income program that provides cash assistance to 6.5 million people with limited income and assets. The agency has a national workforce of 65,000 employees and 1,300 field installations. Born in Worcester, MA, Apfel received his bachelor's degree from the University of Massachusetts, a master's degree in rehabilitation counseling from Northeastern University, and a master's degree in public affairs from the LBJ School of Public Affairs at the University of Texas.

He is married to Caroline Hadley and has two sons, Derek and Dana.