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In my role as Deputy Secretary, I serve as the Chief Operating Officer for the Department.
I work directly with the Secretary in the day to day management of the Department and
the development of the major policies and initiatives that the department undertakes.
Because we’ve got over 70,000 employees, my work on a daily basis brings me in close
contact with the directors of our major agencies, like the National Institutes of Health, the
Food and Drug Administration, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services.
My top priority is to ensure the Department accomplishes the goals that President Obama
and Secretary Sebelius have established for our department, like quickly and effectively
implementing the economic Recovery Act to assure that we create jobs and stimulate the
economy. Like creating a 21st century food safety system. And by making major strides
to improve the health of the American people.
One other important priority is to assure that in everything the department does, in
all of its programs and activities, that we work smart and effectively on behalf of the
American people.
I’ve returned to the department for the second time for several reasons. First,
it’s an honor to serve in the Administration of President Obama, it’s certainly
an honor to serve with our Secretary Kathleen Sebelius. It is also a real privilege to have
the responsibility to the American people for implementing the mission of this department,
which is to protect and promote the health of the American people and to provide essential
human services. And it’s also quite a pleasure for me personally to work with
the men and women of this department, who are the most dedicated and committed workforce
in the federal government.
The favorite part of my job is being able to serve with the people of this department,
who everyday are trying to ensure the safety and the efficacy of our drugs, the safety
of our food supply, conducting biomedical research, providing childcare and essential
human services. These people are so dedicated to the mission of this department and to the
American people and it is a pleasure to serve with them everyday.