Nomination of John A. Svahn To Be Under Secretary of Health and Human Services

The President today announced his intention to nominate John A. Svahn to be Under Secretary of Health and Human Services. He would succeed David B. Swoap, who has resigned.

Since May 6, 1981, Mr. Svahn has been serving as Commissioner of Social Security. From 1979 to 1981, he was a private consultant specializing in public policy management problems.

Mr. Svahn was manager of government services for Deloitte Haskins & Sells from 1976 to 1979, serving as a specialist in investigating Medicaid, welfare, and social services programs. In 1975 and 1976 he served as Administrator of the U.S. Social and Rehabilitation Service. In 1975 he directed the U.S. Office of Child Support Enforcement. Mr. Svahn has also served as Deputy Administrator, U.S. Social and Rehabilitation Service; Commissioner, Assistance Payments Administration; Acting Commissioner, Community Services Administration; and chief deputy director and director of the California Department of Social Welfare.

Mr. Svahn received a B.A. degree in political science from the University of Washington in 1966. He is married, has two children, and resides in Severna Park, Md. Mr. Svahn was born in New London, Conn., on May 13, 1943.