New Chief Chosen For Social Security

White House aides say President Clinton has settled on a new Social Security commissioner, a liberal known for his easy manner, strong organizational skills and detailed knowledge of the federal budget.

The choice to replace Shirley S. Chater is Kenneth S. Apfel, 48, a former aide to ex-New Jersey Sen. Bill Bradley.

Apfel began with the Clinton administration as an assistant secretary at the Department of Health and Human Services. He is now associate director for human resources at the White House Office of Management and Budget.