U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Announces Additional Biden Administration Staff Appointments

Today, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) announced additional Biden Administration appointments:

“HHS has made incredible progress expanding vaccine access, lowering health care premiums, and leading the advocacy charge for the American Families Plan,” said HHS Chief of Staff Sean McCluskie. “Our growing team reflects our commitment to continue fighting for the health of this country during a time of great need and even greater opportunity.”

These new appointees join tens of thousands of career officials throughout the agency, whose expertise is critical for tackling the ongoing COVID-19 public health crisis, implementing the American Rescue Plan, ensuring Americans have access to quality and affordable health care, strengthening support for seniors and other vulnerable populations, conducting groundbreaking research, and more. The Biden Administration is committed to restoring public trust in our health agencies, leading with science and facts, and building a team that looks like America.

New appointees and their roles are listed below:

Office of the Secretary
Dr. Stephen “Steve” Cha (he/him), Counselor to the Secretary, AHRQ/FDA/NIH
Melanie Fontes Rainer (she/her), Counselor to the Secretary, ACA/Marketplaces/OCR/CMMI
Steven Lopez (he/him), Counselor to the Secretary, Equity/OASH/HRSA/IHS
Ben Scott (he/him), Advance Representative
Josie Villanueva Prescott (she/her), Counselor to the Secretary, ACF/ACL
Dr. Mary Wakefield (she/her), Counselor to the Secretary
Laurence Wilson (he/him), Advance Representative

Office of the Deputy Secretary
Angela Botticella (she/her), Chief of Staff

Office of Intergovernmental and External Affairs
Molly Doris-Pierce (she/her), Special Assistant

Office of the Assistant Secretary for Legislation
Leslie Zelenko (she/her), Senior Advisor and Congressional Liaison

Office of the Assistant Secretary for Public Affairs
Kamara Jones (she/her), Deputy Assistant Secretary for Strategic Planning

Administration for Community Living
Dr. Anjali Forber-Pratt (she/her), Director, National Institute on Disability, Independent Living and Rehabilitation Research

Health Resources and Services Administration
Elaina Boutte (she/her), Special Assistant

Office of the Assistant Secretary for Health
Jessica “Jess” Swafford Marcella (she/her), Deputy Assistant Secretary for Population Affairs

Office of the Assistant Secretary for Planning and Evaluation
Dr. Tisamarie “Tisa” Sherry (she/her), Deputy Assistant Secretary for Planning and Evaluation (Office of Behavioral Health, Disability, and Aging Policy)