DHS Chief Medical Officer Departs
Dr. Jeffrey W. Runge is leaving the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, where he has served as assistant secretary for Health Affairs and chief medical officer. He previously was administrator of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
DHS Secretary Michael Chertoff announced Runge's departure on Thursday. "I have relied on Jeff over the past three years for his counsel and leadership on complex and critical issues ranging from pandemic planning and medical readiness, to biodefense and workforce health and safety protection,." Chertoff said in a news release posted onthe DHS Web site. "Jeff brought nearly 30 years of experience in medical care and public health and safety policy to the task of standing up the Office of Health Affairs. He has been an effective liaison to the health and medical community and chief advisor on health and medical policy both within the department and throughout the federal government. Jeff also answered the call to temporarily lead the Science and Technology Directorate as Acting Under Secretary during a period of transition.
"Jeff leaves the department better prepared for the health and medical consequences of a catastrophic event. I am grateful for his service at our department and for his previous service as Administrator of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, and I look forward to our continued friendship," the release stated.