Nomination for Posts at the Departments of Agriculture, Education, and Housing and Urban Development

The President made eight senior personnel announcements today, expressing his intention to nominate a group of experts from around the country to posts at the Departments of Agriculture, Education, and Housing and Urban Development.

Named today were the following:

Department of Agriculture

James Gilliland, General Counsel

James Lyons, Assistant Secretary (Natural Resources and Environment)

Bob Nash, Under Secretary for Small Community and Rural Development

Department of Education

Judith Heumann, Assistant Secretary for Special Education and Rehabilitative Services

Dr. Augusta Kappner, Assistant Secretary for Vocational and Adult Education

Dr. Thomas Payzant, Assistant Secretary for Elementary and Secondary Education

Dr. Marshall Smith, Under Secretary

Department of Housing and Urban Development

Nicolas Retsinas, Assistant Secretary (Federal Housing Commission)

"I am committed to bringing people into the Federal Government who've made a difference in States and communities around the country," said the President. "This is a group of people who truly meet that standard."