(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.