Carolyn Colvin facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Carolyn Colvin
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Official portrait, 2024
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| Commissioner of the Social Security Administration | |
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Acting
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| In office November 30, 2024 – January 20, 2025 |
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| President | Joe Biden |
| Preceded by | Martin O'Malley |
| Succeeded by | Michelle King (acting) |
| In office January 19, 2013 – January 20, 2017 |
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| President | Barack Obama |
| Preceded by | Michael J. Astrue |
| Succeeded by | Nancy Berryhill (acting) |
| Personal details | |
| Born | May 27, 1942 Arnold, Maryland, U.S. |
| Political party | Democratic |
| Education | Morgan State University (BS, MBA) |
Carolyn W. Colvin (born May 27, 1942) is an American public administrator. She has worked for the government for many years. She is known for her work with the Social Security Administration. This is a government agency that helps people with money when they retire or can't work.
Carolyn Colvin served as the temporary leader, called the Acting Commissioner, of the Social Security Administration. She started this role in 2013. Before that, she was the Deputy Commissioner. This means she was the second-in-command. She was chosen for this role by President Barack Obama in 2010.
She went to Morgan State University. There, she earned two degrees: a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration and a Master of Business Administration (MBA). She has one son and six grandchildren.
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What is Social Security?
The Social Security Administration is a very important part of the U.S. government. It helps millions of Americans. It provides money to people who are retired. It also helps those who cannot work due to a disability. And it supports families if a parent passes away. This system is funded by taxes that people pay while they are working.
Carolyn Colvin's Career
Carolyn Colvin has had a long career helping people through government service.
Early Roles in Maryland
From 1989 to 1994, she was the Secretary of the Maryland Department of Human Resources. This department helps families and individuals in need.
Working with Social Security
Colvin then worked at the Social Security Administration in the 1990s. She held several important positions:
- From 1994 to 1996, she was the Deputy Commissioner for Policy and External Affairs.
- From 1996 to 1998, she was the Deputy Commissioner for Programs and Policy.
- From 1998 to 2001, she was the Deputy Commissioner for Operations.
Other Government and Health Roles
After her first time at Social Security, she continued her public service.
- From 2001 to 2003, she led the Department of Human Services in Washington, D.C.
- From 2003 to 2007, she was the Director of Health and Human Services for Montgomery County.
- From 2007 to 2008, she worked as a Chief Executive Officer for a healthcare company.
- From 2009 to 2011, she was a Special Assistant for the Maryland Department of Transportation.
Later Work and Recognition
In 2020, Carolyn Colvin was part of the team that helped President Joe Biden prepare to take office. She focused on the Social Security Administration during this time.
She is also a Fellow of the National Academy of Public Administration. This is a group of experts who advise on how to make government work better.
