Jan 13, 2017

A Farewell Message


From: Colvin, Carolyn
Sent: Friday, January 13, 2017 11:49 AM
Subject: Farewell Message from the Acting Commissioner



TO: All SSA and DDS Employees

I want you to know that I have advised President Obama that I will be leaving my position as Acting Commissioner of Social Security at the end of the President’s term on Friday, January 20th.  

I have devoted my life to public service, serving in positions at all levels of government, but serving here with all of you has been the greatest honor of my life.  The times I have treasured the most are the times I have been able to visit your offices to speak with you about the important work we do, and about your dreams and aspirations.  Those are some of my most joyous and inspirational times at SSA.  You are truly the greatest public servants in government. 

Social Security is the most important social program ever implemented in this country.  The agency distributes almost $1 trillion to 65,000,000 people each year.  Millions of our fellow Americans rely on these benefits and the services we provide.  Indeed, many of our seniors would be in poverty if they did not receive their Social Security benefits each month.

Never forget, you make a positive difference every day in the lives of the tens of millions of people who visit our offices, call us on the telephone, or rely on our online services each year.  We can be proud of our numerous accomplishments which represent our shared legacy.  I cannot express the pride I feel in having been part of this incredible work.  Remember, each day, thousands and thousands of individuals may experience, for even a moment, hope, and if we are lucky, a better life, because of something you have been able to do for them.

I want to personally thank you again for the outstanding service you provide and for the support and guidance you have given me.  I wish you much happiness and success in all of your future endeavors. 

Carolyn

7 comments:

Anonymous said...

"The times I have treasured the most are the times I have been able to visit your offices to speak with you about the important work we do, and about your dreams and aspirations." (Because I couldn't get anyone to answer the phone when I called)
...
"Indeed, many of our seniors would be in poverty if they did not receive their Social Security benefits each month." (I won't bother to mention the millions of disabled individuals who are already in poverty because we are unable to accurately process their claims in a timely fashion.)

Anonymous said...

So who's going to be running SSA on Jan. 21?

Anonymous said...

Nancy Berryhill, the Deputy Commissioner for Operations, would be Acting Commissioner until the next Commissioner is confirmed by the Senate.

Anonymous said...

I can't but hear Yakety Sax play every time I hear Berryhill's name.

Anonymous said...

I am sure Tom Leppert will be a great commish, after all he has been screaming about dismantling the programs for years!

Anonymous said...

With the exit of Carolyn Colvin, a dark chapter in SSA history can be closed. All should be hopeful that the next Commissioner is one that cares foremost about the mission of the Agency, the people it serves and the employees that serve in it rather than their own status and personal fulfillment.

Anonymous said...

@9:55AM, January 18, 2017:

I sincerely hope you are correct this dark chapter in SSA history has left us. With only 3-4 management officials leaving as reported on this blog, I am not optimistic this dark chapter is truly over. Do you know something many of us have not heard about?