OD Leadership Shifts Announced
Significant leadership changes within the NIH Office of the Director have occurred. NIH associate deputy director Dr. Tara Schwetz and NIH associate director for science policy Dr. Carrie Wolinetz, who had also served as acting chief of staff for NIH director Dr. Francis Collins, recently joined the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy (OSTP).
Established by Congress in 1976, OSTP advises the President and others within the Executive Office of the President on the scientific, engineering and technological aspects of the economy, national security, homeland security, health, foreign relations and the environment. OSTP leads efforts across the federal government to develop and implement sound science and technology policies and budgets, and works with the private and philanthropic sectors, state, local, tribal and territorial governments, the research and academic communities and other nations toward this end.
Dr. Courtney Aklin, a senior advisor in Schwetz’s immediate office, will serve as acting associate deputy director. Wolinetz’s deputy, Dr. Lyric Jorgenson, will step in as acting associate director for science policy.
Associate Director for Communications and Public Liaison John Burklow will take on a new role, serving as Collins’s acting chief of staff. Renate Myles, deputy director for public affairs in the NIH Office of Communications and Public Liaison, now serves as acting associate director for communications and public liaison.
“The roles that Tara and Carrie will be filling at OSTP are of great importance to NIH and incredible career opportunities,” said Collins, announcing the leadership shifts in an email to employees. “I am very proud of both of them. And I have the utmost confidence in Courtney, Lyric, John and Renate in bringing their talents to their new roles.”