Mary Frances Deutsch appointed DEAS Director

Message from Dr. Norka Ruiz Bravo:

I am very pleased to announce that I have selected Ms. Mary Frances Deutsch as the new director for the Division of Extramural Activities Support (DEAS), effective March 22. Ms. Deutsch joins the National Institutes of Health from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS), Center for Medicaid and State Operations, where she was a grant project officer and health insurance specialist.

Ms. Deutsch has worked for the Federal government for five years. During her tenure at CMS, she received the Administrator's Achievement Award in recognition of expert policy analysis work. She also received the DHHS Secretary's Award for Distinguished Service, as part of the New Freedom, a team effort for "...extraordinary initiative, creativity and commitment...in improving the lives of persons with disabilities and enhancing their integration into the community." Prior to joining CMS, Ms. Deutsch worked as a disability policy specialist for the Rehabilitation Engineering and Assistive Technology Society of North America, evaluating the impact of federal policy in health care, housing, education and telecommunications on persons with disabilities.

Ms. Deutsch's earned a Juris Doctorate from the Creighton University School of Law, a Bachelor of Arts (Magna Cum Laude) in history and political science from the University of St. Thomas in St. Paul, Minnesota, and she is a member of the Minnesota State Bar Association. Other activities include being a past member of the University of St. Thomas Alumni Board from 1991-1997, and a member of the Board of Directors of the Epilepsy Foundation of Minnesota from 1992–1997.

Ms. Deutsch's numerous career and civic accomplishments, her capacity to lead groups and activities in new and challenging programs, and her interpersonal skills will serve her well in managing the complexities of implementing and staffing the DEAS. I know that you will all join me in welcoming Ms. Deutsch to the NIH/OD/OER and wish her success in this important position.

I would also like to take this opportunity to thank Mr. David Mineo for his invaluable service as Acting Director, DEAS. For the next few weeks, Mr. Mineo will be working directly with Ms. Deutsch to facilitate her transition.

Norka Ruiz Bravo, PhD
Deputy Director for Extramural Research
National Institutes of Health
Department of Health and Human Services
One Center Drive, Room 144
Bethesda, MD 20892-0152