I am honored to be appointed the new Commissioner for the Department for the Aging (DFTA). We have been charged by Mayor Bloomberg to address the diverse needs and expectations of a growing older population and to prepare services for a future in which older New Yorkers will outnumber school-aged children.

I appreciate how much DFTA has already accomplished and the experience and talent contributed by all. I will draw upon the knowledge and wisdom of many as we move forward together, in partnership with the City's leaders and our provider community. To be sure, DFTA - like the City and the nation - faces a challenging fiscal environment that will test our resourcefulness, determination and fortitude in fulfilling our mission. I am confident that we will continue to serve New York City's 1.3 million seniors with the high quality services they have come to expect.

In this endeavor, we are committed to working with community providers, elected officials and all other partners who share our goal of an age-friendly City that supports its older residents and their continuing role in the community's vitality.

I look forward to working with our Department's talented and dedicated staff and of course with our community partners.

Lilliam Barrios-Paoli
Commissioner
Department for the Aging

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