Recently sworn-in Social Security Commissioner Andrew Saul sent an introductory message to all Social Security and Disability Determination Services (DDS) employees shortly after taking over the post where asked for help from employees to get up-to-speed and advice on how to meet the agency’s challenges. Below is the full message from Saul issued June 17.
This afternoon, I was sworn in as your Commissioner, and I am eager to get to work. In ways that many of us do not have the perspective to appreciate, running an agency for this long without confirmed leadership is quite difficult. Please join me in thanking Nancy Berryhill for her leadership, and I welcome her ongoing support.
Throughout the confirmation process, one consistent theme has been how fantastic SSA employees are. I can certainly use your help. Although I am just now beginning my briefings, I am aware that we face a number of challenges. I look forward to hearing your ideas about how best to improve public service and be supportive to you in that endeavor.
My plan is to get out and talk with as many of you as I can. I will also be meeting with SSA’s senior leaders, associations, and unions. Meanwhile, I thought you might want to know a little about me. I am a lifelong New Yorker, born and raised in New York City. My wife of 50 years, Denise, and I are blessed with two daughters, two sons-in-law, and three grandchildren. I am a graduate of the University of Pennsylvania’s Wharton School of Business and I have worked in the private and public sector and with non-profit organizations. I am most proud of my nine years as the Chair of the Federal Thrift Investment Board, which administers the Thrift Savings Plan, working to improve service by modernizing it into what is today one of the most successful 401K plans in the nation.
My family and friends will tell you I have a sense of humor, but I take work seriously. Hard work is especially necessary when what we are doing matters to every American. As I mentioned, I have already heard how dedicated you are to SSA’s mission, and your dedication gives me great confidence about what we can achieve.
I am taking a little time to assess how the agency is doing, and you will hear more soon about my priorities and plans in the coming weeks.
Thank you for the warm welcome I have received thus far. I look forward to working with you.
Andrew Saul
Commissioner
