Press Release - Personnel Announcement

President George W. Bush today announced his intention to nominate two individuals to serve in his Administration.

The President intends to nominate Andrew R. Cochran, of Virginia, to be Inspector General at the Environmental Protection Agency. Mr. Cochran currently serves as Vice President for Business Development and Government Affairs at GAGE International. Prior to this, he served as Senior Counsel for Oversight and Investigations on the Committee on Financial Services in the United States House of Representatives. Earlier in his career, he served as Audit Division Director and Senior Analyst at the Office of the Inspector General at the Department of Commerce. Mr. Cochran received his bachelor's degree from Miami University. He received his MBA and JD from the University of Notre Dame.

The President intends to nominate Robert L. Smolen, of Pennsylvania, to be Deputy Administrator for Defense Programs at the National Nuclear Security Administration. Major General Smolen recently served as a Commander in the United States Air Force District of Washington. Prior to this, he served as Director of Strategic Policy and Arms Control at the National Security Council. Earlier in his career, he served as Director and Deputy Director of Nuclear and Counterproliferation in the United States Air Force. Major General Smolen received his bachelor's degree from Allegheny College. He received his master's degrees from the University of Oklahoma and Auburn University.