Dutchess County Executive William R. Steinhaus recently inducted Dutchess County Social Services Commissioner Robert Allers as President of The New York Public Welfare Association (NYPWA). In the presence of 600 participants at the Association’s135th Annual Winter Conference in Albany, Steinhaus spoke of his years of collaboration and partnership with Allers on social services issues. Allers is the Commissioner of Social Services for Dutchess County, a position Mr. Steinhaus appointed him to in 1996.

“I was pleased the New York State Public Welfare Association has chosen Commissioner Allers to lead their organization during a time where social welfare policy is operating in a transitional era. Commissioner Allers’ talents and years of experience throughout the implementation of welfare reform will be beneficial to the state. Here in Dutchess, his talent to partner with community agencies meeting the needs of our residents have allowed both recipients and our community as a whole witness the positive changes he has worked so hard to achieve,” said County Executive Steinhaus.

“I’m honored to have the opportunity to serve as President of the NYPWA. In my three years on the Association’s Executive Committee, we have worked on a variety of issues ranging from welfare reform, employment initiatives, health care and funding for services to prevent child abuse,” Allers said. “The NYPWA is a way for local districts to make their voices heard in Albany both on behalf of those in need of services and for local taxpayers.”

The New York Public Welfare Association represents New York State’s 58 local departments of social services. The NYPWA is an influential leader in social welfare policy development and implementation. The mission of the association is to improve the quality and effectiveness of social welfare policy so that it is accountable to taxpayers and protective of vulnerable people.

Allers will serve as president for a one-year term.