Wendy A. Liffers, J.D., M.A.
Presidential Management Fellow Class, 1987
liffersw@mail.nih.gov
Associate Director for Management and Operations
Office of Management, Office of the Director

What is your master's degree in? When did you graduate?

What prompted you to apply for the PMF Program? When did you graduate?

The American University has an excellent track record for producing successful PMF candidates and was, in fact, the top school in the country last year in terms of students selected for the program. The University actually contacted me to tell me that I was eligible for the program and I pursued it from there. I was interested in the fact that the program provided actual hands-on training in a real world, working public service environment.

What personal qualities should a PMF have?

Initiative, flexibility, and inquisitiveness.

What types of rotations did you do? What was your favorite rotation? Why?

I was actually the NIH's first full-time PMI, so there was not a lot of experience at the time with the program. As a result, my rotations more or less chose me because I could be moved around and placed to fill critical needs. I was a dedicated PMI at the NIAID at the time that the institute was beginning to build its programs in response to the AIDS epidemic and valued the whole experience because I was able to be an active and involved participant in an historic era at the NIH. My favorite interactions related to Dr. Fauci's novel approach to bringing researchers, health care providers, patients, legislators, and advocates to the same table to address the needs of these various diverse communities in responding to the epidemic.

What did you like about the program?

That I was given responsible assignments that had significant impact and contribution, and that I had the opportunity to learn from world renowned scientists and administrators.

What parts of your fellowship contributed to your decision in selecting your current career path?

My career goals throughout my early academic career did not include public service. I had an undergraduate science degree and a graduate degree aimed at international environmental and agricultural service. The exposure that I had during my internship to the mission of the NIH, and ability for those in management and policy positions to have a significant impact in furthering that mission, have kept me here at the NIH for 21 years.

What is it about your current position that you enjoy the most?

My background is largely in science policy and planning, while my current position allows me to work in an operational environment. I am able to fully utilize my combined skills and training to help my NIH colleagues navigate an increasingly complex management matrix catalyzed by administration and departmental initiatives.