Appointments and Resignations
Director of the Office of Science and Technology: Who is John Holdren?
When President Barack Obama nominated John P. Holdren to be director of the Office of Science and Technology Policy (OSTP), conservatives launched a major attack against him, claiming that Holdren had once advocated forced abortions. The source ... read more
Director of the Pension Benefit Guarantee Corporation: Who Is Joshua Gotbaum?
Joshua Gotbaum was nominated by President Barack Obama to be Director of the Pension Benefit Guarantee Corporation (PBGC) in November 2009. He was approved by two Senate committees, but his confirmation was blocked by Sen. Sherrod Brown, (D-Ohio... read more
Chair of the Corporation for Public Broadcasting: Who is Ernest Wilson III?
A college professor with extensive experience in communications and communications policy, Ernest J. Wilson III is the longest serving member of the Corporation for Public Broadcasting’s board. He has held the position of chair since September 2... read more
Chair, U.S.-China Economic and Security Review Commission: Who Is Daniel Slane?
The US-China Economic and Security Review Commission (USCC) is one of the few federal agencies housed in the legislative branch. Responsible for monitoring and investigating the bilateral trade relationship between the United States and the Peop... read more
Director of the Defense Threat Reduction Agency: Who is Kenneth Myers III?
Kenneth A. Myers III has served as director for the Defense Threat Reduction Agency (DTRA) and the U.S. Strategic Command Center for Combating Weapons of Mass Destruction since July 27, 2009. The DTRA was created in 1998 with the responsibility ... read more
Assistant Secretary of State for Economic, Energy and Business Affairs: Who Is Jose Fernandez?
Jose W. Fernandez is in charge of the State Department’s Bureau of Economic, Energy and Business Affairs (EEB). EEB implements policies involving international trade, investment and finance, economic development and sanctions, debt policy, terro... read more
Ambassador to Timor-Leste: Who Is Judith Fergin?
The impoverished nation of Timor-Leste, which only recently emerged from years of colonial rule, has a new U.S. ambassador with significant experience in the Australasian region. President Barack Obama nominated Judith R. Fergin to the post June 1... read more
Chair of the Election Assistance Commission: Who is Donetta Davidson?
Prior to joining the Election Assistance Commission (EAC) in August 2005, Donetta L. Davidson spent her entire career handling election-related matters, from being a county clerk to serving as Colorado’s secretary of state.
Davidson was born... read more
AIDS Coordinator: Who is Eric Goosby?
A pioneer in the fight against AIDS, Eric P. Goosby has, since June 23, 2009, overseen the President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) as part of his role as U.S. Global AIDS Coordinator, leading all of the federal government’s internation... read more
Executive Director of the U.S. Botanic Garden: Who is Holly Shimizu?
Holly H. Shimizu has served as executive director of the U.S. Botanic Garden since November 2000. She was introduced to gardening by her grandfather in Rhode Island.
After she graduated from high school in Philadelphia, she was unsure what d... read more
Executive Director of the Interagency Council on Homelessness: Who is Barbara Poppe?
The executive director of the U.S. Interagency Council on Homelessness since November 16, 2009, Barbara Poppe has more than 25 years of non-profit experience working on homelessness with housing-related organizations.
Born in 1958, Poppe ea... read more
Co-Chair of the Denali Commission: Who is Joel Neimeyer?
With 25 years of experience in planning, designing and constructing rural facility projects,
Joel Neimeyer serves as federal co-chair of the Denali Commission, a position he has held since January 3, 2010. A pet project of Senator Ted Stevens (... read more
Under Secretary for Science and Technology: Who Is Tara O’Toole?
Dr. Tara J. O’Toole was confirmed as the Under Secretary for Science and Technology at the Department of Homeland Security on November 4, 2009.
Raised in Norwood, Massachusetts, O‘Toole received a Bachelor of Arts degree from Vassar College ... read more
Assistant Secretary for Infrastructure Protection: Who Is Todd Keil?
Todd M. Keil was appointed Assistant Secretary for Infrastructure Protection at the Department of Homeland Security in December 2009. He oversees 18 sectors that are devoted to the safety of U.S. assets deemed critical to the nation’s way of lif... read more
Commissioner of Financial Management Service: Who is David Lebryk?
David A. Lebryk was selected as commissioner of the U.S. Department of the Treasury’s Financial Management Service (FMS) on June 26, 2009.
Lebryk graduated from Harvard College with an AB in economics, and holds a master’s degree in public a... read more
Goodbye to James "Revolving Door" Jones
Don’t worry about Gen. James L. Jones, who was just dumped as President Barack Obama’s National Security Advisor. If his previous employment is any guide, Jones will soon be raking in good money thanks to his close relationship with government c... read more