Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg today appointed Robert Doar as the Administrator and Commissioner of the Human Resources Administration and Department of Social Services (HRA/DSS), the nation's largest municipal social services agency. Commissioner Doar will oversee more than 15,000 employees that provide vital services to more than three million New Yorkers. These services include public assistance and public health insurance programs, homecare for senior citizens and the disabled, adult protective services, food stamps, HIV/AIDS support services, domestic violence, homelessness and emergency intervention services. The Human Resources Administration has a $5.6 billion operating budget, awards $15 billion in contracts, and has a $25 billion medical services portfolio. Commissioner Doar is the former Commissioner of the New York State Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance, the agency responsible for supervising local social service agencies across the state.

“New York City is fortunate to have Robert Doar take over the Human Resources Administration,” said Mayor Bloomberg. “Robert’s experience in State government will be valued as we continue our efforts to move New Yorkers from dependency to self-sufficiency. We will continue to innovate and invest in the future of New Yorkers that need a helping hand.”

“Robert will be a great addition to the Mayor’s team as we implement the recommendations of the Commission for Economic Opportunity,” said Deputy Mayor for Health and Human Services Linda I. Gibbs. “The next three years of this administration offer exciting new opportunities to reimagine our strategies for assisting the poor. Robert is uniquely qualified to design and implement these approaches.”

“I am thrilled to join the Bloomberg Administration,” said Commissioner Doar. “My love for the City combined with the opportunity to assist in this administration’s exciting efforts to combat poverty are a great inspiration as I take on this new challenge.”

The Human Resources Administration/Department of Social Services assists individuals and families with a wide range of social service and economic needs.  The mission of the agency is to make work central in the lives of New Yorker receiving public assistance. HRA/DSS's programs also ensure that those needy individuals who meet eligibility requirements are provided food, shelter, temporary financial assistance, medical care, counseling and other essential services. For those with the ability to become self-sufficient, HRA/DSS provides temporary supports including: temporary public assistance, food stamps, health benefits, childcare, adult protective services and eviction prevention. For New Yorkers who require long term support to live independently, HRA/DSS provides housing support, home care and long term care for the elderly and disabled, and counseling and housing support for people with HIV and AIDS.

Previously, Commissioner Doar served as Commissioner of the State Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance, a position he was appointed to in October 2003. He was responsible for the administration of the state's cash assistance, food stamps, child support, homeless housing and disability determination programs. He also served as the OTDA Executive Deputy Commissioner and OTDA Deputy Commissioner for the Division of Child Support Enforcement. Commissioner Doar has received awards and commendations for his work in the field of human services, including the 2002 Commissioner's Distinguished Service Award from the Administration for Children & Families, Federal Office of Child Support Enforcement, Department of Health & Human Services. Commissioner Doar has a Bachelor of Arts Degree from Princeton University. Robert Doar is the son of John Doar, a former Assistant Attorney General for Civil Rights in the United States Department of Justice.