Ex-HHS Secretary Burwell to become president of American University

Less than a week after leaving her old post as HHS Secretary, Sylvia Burwell has found a new job: president of American University.

“Secretary Burwell’s success at HHS reflects three key abilities that will make her an excellent president for our university,” search committee member Kiho Kim said in a statement. “She fosters research and scholarship, and turns them into action. She embraces and leverages the strengths of a large, diverse institution to advance its goals, and she is able to convey complex ideas to a wide range of audiences, from members of congress to the public, in pushing for evidence-based actions and outcomes.”

Burwell doesn’t have previous experience running an entire academic institution, having spent much of her professional career in government. She worked at the National Economic Council under President Bill Clinton, later being moved to deputy chief of staff in the White House and then deputy director of the Office of Management and Budget. She ran the same agency under President Barack Obama before being nominated as HHS Secretary.

Her only experience attached to a university was a board member of the University of Washington Medical Center from 2002 to 2005.

“My family and I are honored and excited to become a part of this vibrant AU community,” Burwell said. “American University’s distinctive mix of academic strengths, its influential scholars, engaged students, successful alumni and extraordinary location are great assets.”

She’ll take over the role on June 1.