Another S&T Leader Departs Administration
November 20th, 2008Posted by: admin
Effective November 1st, Conrad Lautenbacher, head of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, resigned his position to return to the private sector. Coupled with the nearly simultaneous departure of National Institutes of Health Director Elias Zerhouni, there are now three major science and technology agencies operating with acting directors (National Institute of Standards and Technology Director Willam Jeffrey resigned in September of 2007). While none of these agencies are likely to grind to a halt without a Senate-confirmed leader at the helm, the lack of continuity between appointments does not speak well to the seriousness an administration gives these agencies.