County names new DSS admin upon commissioner's retirement

(Shawn Magrath Photo)

NORWICH – Chenango County elected officials are putting someone new at the helm of the Department of Social Services while saying goodbye to the retiring DSS commissioner who leaves her post at the end of the month.

The County Board of Supervisors has unanimously approved DSS First Deputy Commissioner Daniel Auwarter to lead the department. Auwarter, a six-year seasoned administrator at DSS, will fulfill a $70,000 annual five-year term effective July 31.

"I'm privileged to be taking on this responsibility," said Auwarter, "and I look forward to working with everybody."

Outgoing Commissioner Bette Osborne said Auwarter brings a wealth of experience to the job, having served 20 years in various positions at Catholic Charities of Chenango County prior to his tenure at DSS.

Since 2018, Auwarter's been charged with handling routine operations in the department's services division which encompasses CPS, foster care, adoption, and adult and long-term care. In the five years previous, he managed the income maintenance division comprised of the SNAP, TANF, cash assistance, child support, employment services, fraud, emergency services, and Medicaid programs.

Auwarter's departure as deputy commissioner leaves DSS with just one other deputy commissioner position filled. County officials have not said if they plan to refill Auwarter's position.

“Daniel works with me and the other administrative staff on a daily basis and understands the nuances of the individual programs we administer,” said Commissioner Osborne. “He also understands how interdependent our programs are and the need to have efficient and effective communication between program areas and county departments in order to successfully accomplish our mission.”

Osborne leaves her position with more than 26 years experience in the department, 17 of them as commissioner.

“I have been here long enough to see the pendulum swing full circle,” Osborne said in a statement to the County Board of Supervisors. “Old programs have gone away, new programs begin, and the state is still in the process of taking over Medicaid. Some of the old versions of services programing are being reintroduced and some need to be put away for another 20 years, possibly to return again.”

“But every good administrator (and I hope I have been that) knows when it is time to reinvigorate the agency with new blood and new ideas,” she added. “For me that time is now.”

Osborne thanked DSS and Preston Manor staff for their efforts. She also praised the county board for its support, with special thanks to members of the health and human services, personnel, and finance committees.

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