Former biotech executive takes Social Security helm

Michael Astrue was sworn in as commissioner of Social Security Monday, replacing Jo Anne Barnhart, who retired last month.

Astrue worked most recently as interim chief executive officer of biotechnology company Epix Pharmaceutical Inc. of Lexington, Mass., and has served in several government roles including counselor to the Social Security commissioner during the Reagan administration and positions at the Health and Human Services Department, according to an agency announcement.

"I have seen first-hand the important work this agency does and the essential protection it provides to the most vulnerable in our society," Astrue said in a statement. "I feel blessed to have been asked to serve in a position so vital to our success as a nation."

During his confirmation hearing, Astrue told the Senate Finance Committee that he would "stay out of" the debate on privatization of Social Security accounts, and that he would work incrementally to address long-standing backlogs in the agency's processing of Social Security disability benefits.

"My goal is to be a good steward of the Social Security program for both current and future beneficiaries," Astrue said. "For current beneficiaries, this means setting high standards for management, performance and service, and committing to meeting those standards. For future beneficiaries, this means engaging with the executive branch, with members of Congress, and with outside groups and experts, to provide unbiased data about all the options for safeguarding the financial stability of the program."

Astrue is slated to serve a six-year term. Barnhart, his predecessor, was the first commissioner to serve out a full term since the 1960s.

Astrue is a resident of Massachusetts. He is married and has two children.