Barbara C. Guinn

Commissioner

Barbara C. Guinn was confirmed by the New York State Senate as Commissioner of the New York State Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance in May 2024. As Commissioner, she serves as a member of Governor Hochul's cabinet.

OTDA is responsible for a range of essential programs that help low- and no-income residents meet their basic needs by providing benefits that help them secure housing, food and other basic necessities. OTDA is also responsible for the delivery of services to families and individuals including assistance obtaining child support and federal disability benefits, refugee resettlement and helping those who can work obtain and retain employment.

Guinn was appointed Acting Commissioner in July 2023, while concurrently serving as Executive Deputy Commissioner, a position she had held since March 2017. She successfully led the agency through the COVID-19 pandemic, helping it implement many new assistance programs and delivering more than $18 billion in additional benefits to help New Yorkers navigate the financial impacts of the public health crisis. Prior to serving in this role, she was deputy commissioner for the Division of Integrated Family Assistance, which was responsible for policy development and oversight of public assistance programs, the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, supportive housing, energy assistance, employment services, refugee services and child support services. Before joining the agency, Guinn worked for the New York State Department of Labor and the New York State Division of the Budget.

Guinn received her master's degree in public administration from the University at Albany's Rockefeller College of Public Affairs and Policy. She also has bachelor's degrees in political science and business management from North Carolina State University.