A New Deputy Director

Earlier today, the President announced that he intends to nominate Heather Higginbottom as the Deputy Director of OMB.

Many of us at OMB know Heather from her work as Deputy Director of the Domestic Policy Council. In that position, she has played an integral role on issues ranging from education to poverty to food safety. Before she joined the Administration, Heather was the Policy Director for Obama for America. She came to that job after eight years working in the US Senate for Senator John Kerry, culminating in serving as his Legislative Director. Heather also founded and served as Executive Director of the American Security Project, a national security think tank. A Binghamton, New York native, Heather holds a bachelors degree in Political Science from the University of Rochester and a Masters degree in Public Policy from the George Washington University.

Heather has a passion for her work and has demonstrated throughout her career a dedication to sound public policy that makes a difference in people’s lives.

Heather is replacing a trusted colleague and a good friend, Rob Nabors. Rob’s willingness to take a leave from his new job in the West Wing to help steward OMB through this recent period of transition demonstrates the depth of his commitment to what OMB does and to the institution itself, and his own commitment to serve. I am personally grateful to him for once again being part of my team as we produce the 2012 Budget.

I am confident that Heather will be an outstanding addition to the OMB team, and I look forward to her joining OMB as soon as possible.

 Jack Lew is the Director of the Office of Management and Budget