Nomination of Michael J. Astrue To Be General Counsel of the Department of Health and Human Services

The President today announced his intention to nominate Michael J. Astrue to be General Counsel of the Department of Health and Human Services. He would succeed Malcolm M.B. Sterrett.

Since 1988 Mr. Astrue has been Associate Counsel to the President in the Executive Office of the President in Washington, DC. Prior to this he was Counselor to the Commissioner for the Social Security Administration, Department of Health and Human Services, 1986 - 1988; and Acting Deputy Assistant Secretary for Human Service Legislation, 1985 - 1986. He was an associate with Ropes & Gray, 1984 - 1985; and a law clerk with the Honorable Walter J. Skinner, 1983 - 1984.

Mr. Astrue graduated from Yale University (B.A., 1978) and Harvard Law School (J.D., 1983). He resides in Belmont, MA.