 Before her appointment by President Bush, Commissioner Barnhart served for more than four years as a member of the Social Security Advisory Board, an independent body created to advise the Congress on Social Security issues and policies.A former SSA employee, Mrs. Barnhart worked in the Office of Family Assistance from 1981–1986, first as Deputy Associate Commissioner and then as Associate Commissioner.She served as minority staff director for the Senate Committee on Governmental Affairs from 1986-1990.