Mamdani Names Pittsburgh-Area Human Services Chief Erin Dalton to Lead NYC Social Services

Mayor Mamdani announced Wednesday that he is appointing Erin Dalton, a Pennsylvania administrator, to head the city's Department of Social Services. Dalton will begin work as commissioner on Monday.

Dalton most recently led the Allegheny County Department of Human Services in Pittsburgh. She replaces Molly Wasow Park, who submitted her resignation after being told she would not remain in the post under Mamdani, according to earlier reporting by the Daily News.

The department oversees both the Department of Homeless Services and the Human Resources Administration. It has been under scrutiny after at least 19 New Yorkers died outdoors during the recent cold snap. According to the city, 15 of those deaths were from hypothermia, and most of the people who died had had some contact with the Department of Homeless Services during their lives.

Following those deaths, the mayor said he would bring back sweeps of homeless encampments, reversing his earlier opposition to the practice.

In a statement, Mamdani praised his pick. "Dalton has spent decades proving that government can and must work better for people who rely on it most," he said. He credited her with expanding access to housing, strengthening social services and protecting vulnerable residents, and said he was proud to work with her "to build a city that is more just, effective and accessible for all."

In Allegheny County, Dalton worked to reduce street homelessness by stepping up outreach to people living in tents and outdoor encampments. Mamdani has said he intends to use similar tactics in handling encampments in New York.

Dalton said she was "deeply grateful for the opportunity to serve the people of New York City and to advance Mayor Mamdani's affordability and community safety agenda."

Her record includes a point of criticism. According to The Associated Press, Dalton previously faced criticism for putting in place an artificial intelligence algorithm in child welfare cases that disproportionately flagged Black children for follow-up investigations. The mayor's announcement did not mention that issue.

Allegheny County Executive Sara Innamorato offered praise for Dalton and for her "data-driven" approach to social services. "I'm proud of the work we've done together to house our neighbors, support people with substance use disorder, and reimagine public safety and mental health response," Innamorato said. "I know she will serve the New York City community well."