Barbara C. Guinn

Acting Commissioner

Barbara C. Guinn was appointed acting commissioner of the state Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance in July 2023. The agency is responsible for a range of the most important programs helping low-income residents meet their basic needs and to help those who can work become financially independent. Guinn concurrently serves as executive deputy commissioner, a position she has held since March 2017. As executive deputy commissioner, she successfully led the agency through the COVID-19 pandemic, helping it implement many new assistance programs and collectively deliver more than $15 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.