“My Administration is committed to ensuring we have a team dedicated to working hard and delivering results for New Yorkers,” Governor Hochul said. “Both Barbara Guinn and Dr. DaMia Harris-Madden’s records have proven that they are up to the task, and I have no doubt they will continue to serve these roles with purpose and with all New Yorkers in mind.”

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.

Dr. DaMia Harris-Madden has spent 20 years working at the intersections of government, education, business and the non-profit sectors. She most recently served as Executive Director of the Westchester County Youth Bureau, within the County Executive’s office. In that role, she was responsible for managing a department that deploys financial and technical resources to hundreds of programs and contractors operated by nonprofit, private and municipal agencies that support children, youth and families within the 46 communities of Westchester County. Before joining the Westchester County Youth Bureau, Dr. Harris-Madden served in four mayoral cabinets in the City of Mount Vernon where she expanded the city’s services significantly. She has served as a federal and local grant reviewer and a New York State 21st Century Community Learning Centers Program evaluator.

Dr. Harris-Madden has earned numerous degrees, including a B.A. in English and African American studies, a Masters of Business Administration (M.B.A.), a Master of Science in Human Resource Management (M.S. H.R.M.) and a Doctorate in Education and Executive Leadership (Ed. D.). She is a longtime community leader who has served on a number of professional boards.