Top Federal Health Slots Eyed for New Administration

Excerpted from "Romney Team Preps to Fill a Cabinet," The Wall Street Journal, September 11, 2012--Mitt Romney's presidential transition team, stocked with veterans of the George W. Bush administration, is studying personnel and policy moves that would prepare Mr. Romney to reorder federal spending and quickly propose a budget, should he win the White House. President Barack Obama's preparations are less cumbersome. But he would likely see significant turnover if he wins a second term, including the planned departures of Secretary of State Hillary Clinton and Treasury Secretary Timothy Geithner.

The transition team is looking at the Department of Health and Human Services with an eye toward fulfilling Mr. Romney's promise to repeal the president's healthcare law.

Mike Leavitt, the former Utah governor who is overseeing the Romney transition team, briefed campaign donors on the planning process during the GOP convention in Tampa. Participants said his description was reminiscent of a corporate takeover. Mr. Leavitt served under Mr. Bush as head of the Environmental Protection Agency and secretary of the Department of Health and Human Services. Also shepherding the group is Jamie Burke, a former White House liaison to Health and Human Services.

Editor's note: As a nonpartisan organization, CMDA does not endorse any political candidate or party and has worked with administrations of both parties on many issues. As a pro-life organization, we naturally find increased invitations and opportunities for our members to serve at the federal level during administrations that share this conviction.

Commentary

CMA VP for Government Relations Jonathan Imbody: "The CMA Freedom2Care Federal Registry provides an avenue for you to explore health-related opportunities for federal service, including top-level slots that would open in a new administration. Our contacts with key leaders can help get your CV in front of decision-makers. Examples of top health-related positions include:

• Secretary - Dept. Health and Human Services (HHS)
• Assistant Secretary for Health - HHS (ASH)
• Director, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
• Commissioner, U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA)
• Surgeon General
• Administrator, Health Resources Services Administration (HRSA)
• Director, National Institutes of Health (NIH)
• Director, HHS Office of Global Affairs
• Assistant Secretary, Administration for Children and Families (ACF)
• Administrator, Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS)
• Administrator, Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA)
• Director, Indian Health Services
• Director, Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ)
• Director, Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR)
• Inspector General HHS

"The above top slots typically require proven experience working with large budgets and staff, consistency with the president's policy objectives and a tough skin. Besides these positions, numerous positions in health agencies and the White House offer opportunities for qualified medical professionals. Senior Executive Service (SES) positions serve just below the top Presidential appointees, do not require Senate confirmation and in 2012 garnered salaries ranging from $119,554 to $179,700.

Two other opportunities: CMA works with administration officials to advance candidates for health-related federal commissions, and members of Congress contact the CMA Washington office for background counsel or expert testimony from medical professionals."
Action

1. To advance your consideration for a federal health position, send your CV to the CMA Washington office at cma@netscape.com.
2. Complete the Freedom2Care federal service survey to indicate your experience and interests.
3. Join the Freedom2Care group on LinkedIn to receive updates on opportunities for landing federal jobs, serving on commissions and providing counsel to Congress.