General

Dorcas R. Hardy: Social Security’s First Female Commissioner

March 8, 2021 • By

Reading Time: 2 Minutes

Last Updated: March 8, 2021

Women pioneers have played a crucial role in leading and shaping the Social Security Administration over its eighty-five year history. From 1935, Social Security helped shatter the proverbial “glass ceiling” by hiring women in a variety of key positions, from staff workers to leadership. In honor of Women’s History Month 2021, I would like to share the inspiring story of Dorcas Hardy, Social Security’s first confirmed female Commissioner.

From the earliest days of her career, Dorcas championed for improved healthcare management. In 1973, then Governor Ronald Reagan rewarded her work when he appointed Dorcas the Assistant Secretary for Health at the California Health and Welfare Agency. Subsequently, on March 20, 1986, President Ronald Reagan nominated Dorcas as the tenth Commissioner of Social Security (COSS). She became the first confirmed female Commissioner in agency history, serving from June 26, 1986 to July 31, 1989.

During her roughly one thousand days as COSS, she was a trailblazer, who spearheaded several significant initiatives, that included the development and launch of the federal government’s first national 1-800 number, the Enumeration at Birth program, Computer Systems Modernization, the agency’s first strategic plan, and the Personal Earnings and Benefits Estimate Statement (PEBES).

The 1-800 number improved customer service by offering beneficiaries an alternative to visiting field offices when seeking general information. The Enumeration at Birth program provided new parents with the convenience to apply for a Social Security Number for their newborn from the comfort of the hospital. With the PEBES program, people could now have their projected benefits mailed to their home.

During her tenure as Commissioner, Dorcas increased public outreach, encouraged computer innovation, and strived to improve customer service to millions of beneficiaries. She was truly a pioneer in Social Security history. She believed strongly in efficiency in government, and said, “The business of government should be businesslike.”

Dorcas stayed very active after her service as COSS. She co-authored a book with her father on improving Social Security, hosted a weekly cable television program, ran a consulting firm, and continued her lifelong work with the Girl Scouts of America. From 2002 to 2016, she served on the Social Security Advisory Board, becoming its longest serving member.

Dorcas Hardy passed away at the age of 73 on November 28, 2019, at her home in Spotsylvania, Virginia. Up to her final few years, she remained deeply devoted to public service and helping others. Her legacy is the millions of lives she touched and improved with her steadfast and pioneering efforts in social insurance and government reform.

Did you find this Information helpful?

Yes
No
Thanks for your feedback!

Tags: , ,

See Comments

About the Author

Andrew Saul, Commissioner, Social Security Administration

Commissioner of Social Security Administration (June 17, 2019 - July 9, 2021)

Related Articles

Check the Status of Your Social Security Benefits Claim Online

Do You Qualify for Social Security Spouse’s Benefits?

Don’t Stand by … Speak Up!

Self-Attestation is the Right Step for the Social Security Administration

Comments

  1. Transport m.

    Car Transport in Gurgaon-Transport My Car- is associated with top rated car transportation firms that will help you make your car transport easy and simple. We are committed to provide you best car transportation services in India.We understand you are going to shift from one place to another that does not mean to be stressful and tiresome. Our car transportation services will help you in the whole episode and provide you a peace of mind.
    https://www.transportmycar.in/

  2. Ravindra P.

    Ravindra Relocation Pvt Ltd-Gurgaon based service providers are always ready to handle through their good coordination. These professionals complete the move timely so that clients can quickly get settle down to their new place.
    https://www.ravindrarelocation.com

  3. Daniel S.

    I love this article so much.

  4. Anna

    mcAfee Web Protection is basically a web gateway to protect your internet data from sophisticated websites. These websites contain Internet threats in it and harm your device and data completely.

    http://kitedeveloper.com/

  5. Robert t.

    Extra income – paid surveys for all.

    https://www.ysense.com/?rb=59429643

  6. Bitdefender C.

    Get Started What is Bitdefender Central Bitdefender is the tool to provide you best security from multiple cyberattacks. Bitdefender is available for Windows, Mac, and Android & iOS devices, which offer software and mobile application to secure the devices.

  7. Klais L.

    I believe that protecting those who cannot protect themselves is a noble endeavor. That’s what Rosa Parks did, for example. She was a little different, of course, but the point was the same, to protect those who can’t protect themselves. It’s a noble cause and one that many of today’s generations should learn from. I recommend reading about her and like this to familiarize yourself with the details. I hope it will be helpful and you can learn a lot for yourself.

  8. RKSA P.

    RKSA Packers and Logistics is a well-known name for the Packers and Movers industry in Hisar. If you need packing and moving services at a reasonable cost, get our shifting services. http://bit.ly/39VePQ4

  9. Precision T.

    thanks for sharing this helpful bog – https://bit.ly/2IroVMJ

  10. Macfee.com/activate

    Macfee.com/activate Once you activate McAfee products from mcafee com/activate , you get McAfee web protection from McAfee. McAfee Web Protection is basically a web gateway to protect your internet data from sophisticated websites. These websites contain Internet threats in it and harm your device and data completely.

Comments are closed.