Gregory Blass named new commissioner of Suffolk County Department of

Long Island Business News, Jun 23, 2009 by David Reich-Hale

Gregory Blass has been named the new commissioner of the Suffolk County Department of Social Services, replacing Janet DeMarzo, who was unpopular with county legislators.

Blass was the chief deputy commissioner of the department in 2007. He will now oversee a department with about 1,700 employees. The department is responsible for managing all sorts of human service assistance programs, including Medicaid, Food Stamps, Foster Care services and Child Protective Services.

Steve Levy issued the following quote in the press release announcing the appointment:

"Throughout his long career in public service, Greg Blass has demonstrated first and foremost his concern and his compassion for the people we serve. I have known Greg Blass to be a skilled administrator, a consensus-builder and a tireless leader, and I am confident he will serve the people of Suffolk County well in this new role."

Added Blass, "In this time of national economic decline, as we see an increase of people seeking government assistance for the first time in their lives, it is incumbent upon us to provide those services with swiftness and compassion."

Blass will be sworn in on June 25.