SOCIAL SECURITY
News Release
JO ANNE B. BARNHART
TAKES CHARGE AT SOCIAL SECURITY
Jo Anne B. Barnhart was sworn in today as the Commissioner of Social
Security in a ceremony at the agency’s national headquarters in
Baltimore.
The Commissioner expressed her pride at being chosen to serve as
Commissioner of Social Security. "I truly believe that public
service is a worthy and noble endeavor, and I thank every federal
employee for deciding to make a career in government," said
Commissioner Barnhart. "I am proud to head an agency blessed
with so many dedicated and caring employees."
Barnhart was sworn in by Larry G. Massanari, Regional Commissioner,
Philadelphia. Massanari served as Acting Commissioner of Social
Security since March. "She is a new leader, for a new century,
where new challenges face the nation’s Social Security program,"
said Massanari. "The SSA is very fortunate that President Bush
has chosen such a talented and accomplished leader to serve as Commissioner
of Social Security."
Barnhart is the 14th Commissioner of Social Security.
Her term will expire on January 19, 2007.
Barnhart is a former SSA employee. She worked in the Office of
Family Assistance from 1981 – 1986, first as Deputy Associate Commissioner
and then as Associate Commissioner. She left to become minority
staff director for the Senate Committee on Governmental Affairs.
Most recently, she has served as a member of the Social Security
Advisory Board, an independent body created to advise the Congress
on Social Security issues and policies. Barnhart served as a member
of the Board for more than four years.
She will be responsible for administering the Social Security retirement,
disability and survivors insurance programs that pay $408 billion
annually in benefits to more than 45 million beneficiaries, as well
as the Supplemental Security Income program that provides cash assistance
to almost 7 million people with limited income and assets. The agency
has a national workforce of about 65,000 employees and 1,500 field
installations.
Born in Memphis, Tennessee, Barnhart is graduate of the University
of Delaware. She lives in Virgina with her husband and son.
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NOTE TO CORRESPONDENTS: On Friday, November 9,
Jo Anne B. Barnhart was sworn in as Commissioner of Social Security.
A formal swearing in ceremony was held on November 14th at the Social
Security Administration's national headquarters in Baltimore.
Additional information is available about
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SSA Press Office 4-H-9
West High Rise 6401 Security Blvd. Baltimore, MD 21235
410-965-8904 FAX 410-966-9973
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