Staff Bios

Scott Burns was nominated by President George W. Bush and unanimously confirmed by the United States Senate in December 2007 to serve as the Deputy Director, White House Office of National Drug Control Policy. Prior to that, Mr. Burns served as Deputy Director for State, Local and Tribal Affairs following Senate confirmation in April, 2002.

As the Deputy Director of National Drug Control Policy, Mr. Burns is responsible for coordination and implementation of the President's National Drug Control Strategy. This comprehensive and balanced strategy includes policies and programs directed toward prevention and education, treatment and law enforcement. Mr. Burns will lead the Federal government's efforts to reduce methamphetamine and prescription drug abuse, enhance drug courts and student drug testing programs, expand drug treatment capabilities, eradicate marijuana on public lands, and reduce drug abuse in Indian Country. In addition, Mr. Burns will support Director Walters' and the Administration's efforts in Colombia, Mexico, Afghanistan and around the world.

In 2003, Mr. Burns was appointed by the White House to serve as the United States' representative to the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA), an international organization charged with eliminating doping and drug use in sport. Mr. Burns was subsequently chosen to represent the 40-nation Americas region on WADA's Executive Committee and further honored by his selection to chair the 180-nations' Ministers of Sport conference in Athens, Greece.

Prior to his confirmation, Mr. Burns served for 16 years as the elected County Attorney and Chief Prosecutor in Iron County, Utah. He also routinely provided pro bono legal service to the indigent. As an adjunct professor, Mr. Burns taught constitutional law, search and seizure, race relations, and the civil liability of peace officers.

Mr. Burns attended college in Cedar City, Utah where he was inducted into the Southern Utah University Sports Hall of Fame (football), and law school in San Diego, California.