De Blasio Appoints New ACS Commissioner

After its former commissioner stepped down in the wake of the beating deaths of two children, New York City's Administration for Children's Services has a new leader. Mayor Bill de Blasio appointed David Hansell as the new commissioner of the ACS. Hansell served under the Obama administration in the U.S. Department for Children and Families, overseeing child welfare programs at the federal level. His appointment comes after the former commissioner, Gladys Carrión, stepped down in December.

De Blasio says he's convinced that Hansell will be able to carry out the mission of the ACS.

"Our mission is simple and yet extradordinary at the same time," he said. "The goal is to save every single child, and we understand how daunting that is."

Hansell said when de Blasio interviewed him for the position, the mayor asked what motivated him to take on the challenge of heading the ACS. Hansell said he responded with a question of his own: "Where is there a more important place to serve the most vulnerable individuals and families in our city? That's been the question that's animated career decisions I've made over the course of my career for the last three decades."

Hansell will take office on March 6.