New York City Names Erin Dalton as Social Services Chief

Dalton brings decades of experience in expanding access to housing and strengthening social services for vulnerable populations.

Feb. 26, 2026 at 2:34am

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New York City Mayor Zohran Kwame Mamdani has appointed Erin Dalton as the new commissioner of the New York City Department of Social Services (DSS). Dalton previously served as the Director of the Allegheny County Department of Human Services in Pennsylvania, where she led innovative reforms to improve crisis response, reduce homelessness, and address racial disparities in the human services system.

Why it matters

As New York City grapples with rising homelessness and the need to provide critical social services to vulnerable residents, the appointment of an experienced leader like Erin Dalton signals the city's commitment to implementing data-driven, compassionate strategies to better serve those in need.

The details

In her new role, Dalton will oversee the New York City Department of Social Services, which includes the nation's largest social services agency, the NYC Human Resources Administration (HRA), as well as the Department of Homeless Services (DHS). During her tenure in Allegheny County, Dalton drove progress in crisis response and homelessness, including building a coordinated winter shelter network that reduced the number of people living outdoors by nearly 98%. She also led reforms across behavioral health and community safety systems, redesigning the county's mobile crisis response and expanding medication-assisted treatment in the jail.

  • Dalton was recently appointed as the new commissioner of the New York City Department of Social Services.
  • In Allegheny County, Dalton served as the Director of the Department of Human Services, where she led innovative reforms from an undisclosed start date until her recent appointment in New York City.

The players

Zohran Kwame Mamdani

The mayor of New York City who appointed Erin Dalton as the new commissioner of the New York City Department of Social Services.

Erin Dalton

The new commissioner of the New York City Department of Social Services, who previously served as the Director of the Allegheny County Department of Human Services in Pennsylvania.

Helen Arteaga

The NYC Deputy Mayor for Health and Human Services, who expressed confidence in Dalton's ability to meet the city's current challenges.

Melanie Hartzog

The President and CEO of The New York Foundling and Former Deputy Mayor for Health and Human Services, who praised Dalton's experience in reforming public systems to deliver help and improve equity.

Sara Innamorato

The Allegheny County Executive, who thanked Dalton for her service and expressed pride in the work they had done together.

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What they’re saying

“New Yorkers deserve leaders who listen and act with urgency. Erin Dalton has spent decades proving that government can and must work better for people who rely on it most. She has expanded access to housing, strengthened social services and protected our most vulnerable neighbors. I'm proud to work alongside Commissioner Dalton to build a city that is more just, effective and accessible for all.”

— Zohran Kwame Mamdani, Mayor of New York City (Mirage News)

“I am deeply grateful for the opportunity to serve the people of New York City and to advance Mayor Mamdani's affordability and community safety agenda. DSS can reduce the painful trade-offs families make between food and medicine, housing and safe childcare. We can work to help the best public servants in the country deliver assistance more efficiently and with greater dignity. And we can work relentlessly so that all New Yorkers have access to better resources. I can't wait to get started.”

— Erin Dalton, Commissioner, New York City Department of Social Services (Mirage News)

“As many New Yorkers struggle to secure permanent housing and access other critical resources, it is imperative that city leaders employ strategies that are both innovative and compassionate to assist those most in need-which is exactly what Erin Dalton has done throughout her career. I am thrilled to welcome Ms. Dalton as the Commissioner of the Department of Social Services and am confident that her experience providing aid to vulnerable populations, while treating individuals with the dignity and respect they deserve, is exactly what our city needs to meet this moment.”

— Helen Arteaga, NYC Deputy Mayor for Health and Human Services (Mirage News)

What’s next

Dalton will begin her new role as commissioner of the New York City Department of Social Services, where she will work to implement her vision for expanding access to housing, strengthening social services, and improving outcomes for the city's most vulnerable residents.

The takeaway

The appointment of Erin Dalton, an experienced leader in human services reform, signals New York City's commitment to addressing the complex challenges of homelessness, mental health, and social services delivery through innovative, data-driven, and compassionate strategies that prioritize the dignity and well-being of all New Yorkers.