Local Non-Profit Leader To Head DHS
By Pat Loeb
PHILADELPHIA (CBS) -- Mayor Jim Kenney has appointed a local non-profit leader to head the city's beleaguered Department of Human Services.
He introduced the new commissioner this morning to a room packed with advocates and providers.
"We have identified the best leader to continue to move us forward. Cynthia Figueroa will join the administration to serve as commissioner of our department of Human Services."
It took the mayor six months and a national search to find the final member of his cabinet, though you could say she was hiding in plain sight.
Cynthia Figueroa is CEO of Congreso de Latinos Unidos and before that was a Deputy DHS Commissioner.
She says she's excited to be back.
"It really is a huge honor to come in to an administration that cares so much about children and families."
Sources familiar with the selection process say salary was the main delay. At $180,000 she'll among the highest paid commissioners. But Kenney says she has one of the toughest jobs.
"Children's safety and lives are on the line."
Job one will be restoring the city's permanent license from the state to protect children.