Nominations Sent to the Senate
7/17/2025
Action Summary
- Nominations Sent to the Senate: A series of nominations and appointments for key positions were announced.
- International Representation:
- Jeffrey Anderson (Georgia) for the role of Representative on the Council of the International Civil Aviation Organization with Ambassador rank.
- Dan Negrea (Connecticut) for Representative on the Economic and Social Council of the United Nations with Ambassador rank, also serving as an Alternate Representative to the UN General Assembly.
- Trade and Agricultural Roles:
- Julie Callahan (District of Columbia) for Chief Agricultural Negotiator at the USTR with Ambassador rank, succeeding Douglas J. McKalip.
- Todd Lindsey (Idaho) for Chief Financial Officer, Department of Agriculture.
- John Walk (Virginia) for Inspector General, Department of Agriculture.
- Legal and Judicial Appointments:
- Jerome Francis Gorgon Jr. (Michigan) for United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Michigan, replacing Dawn N. Ison.
- Ryan Anthony Kriegshauser (Kansas) for United States Attorney for the District of Kansas, succeeding Kate E. Brubacher.
- Federal and Regulatory Roles:
- David LaCerte (Louisiana) for a seat on the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, filling the remainder of a term expiring June 30, 2026, after the resignation of Willie L. Phillips, Jr.
- Labor Relations and Governance:
- Scott Mayer (Pennsylvania) nominated for a five-year term on the National Labor Relations Board, succeeding Lauren McGarity McFerran.
- James Murphy (Maryland) nominated for a five-year term on the National Labor Relations Board, succeeding John F. Ring.
- Other Key Appointments:
- Arthur Graham (Florida) for a position on the Board of Directors of the Tennessee Valley Authority, filling the term expiring May 18, 2026, after L. Michelle Moore.
- Paul Hollis (Louisiana) for Director of the Mint for a five-year term, succeeding Ventris C. Gibson.
Risks & Considerations
- The nominations and appointments listed do not directly impact Vanderbilt University. However, changes in leadership positions, such as those in the Department of Agriculture and the National Labor Relations Board, could indirectly affect policies related to research funding, labor relations, and agricultural studies.
- The appointment of a new Chief Agricultural Negotiator and Chief Financial Officer at the Department of Agriculture may influence agricultural policy and funding, which could impact research initiatives and collaborations at Vanderbilt, particularly within the College of Agriculture.
- Changes in the National Labor Relations Board could affect labor policies and regulations, potentially impacting university employment practices and labor relations.
- Appointments to international organizations, such as the International Civil Aviation Organization and the United Nations, may influence international collaboration opportunities and global policy discussions that Vanderbilt is involved in.
Impacted Programs
- Vanderbilt’s College of Agriculture may need to monitor changes in agricultural policy and funding due to new leadership in the Department of Agriculture.
- The Office of International Affairs might consider the implications of new appointments to international organizations for global partnerships and collaborations.
- Human Resources and Labor Relations departments should stay informed about potential changes in labor policies due to new appointments to the National Labor Relations Board.
Financial Impact
- There is no immediate financial impact on Vanderbilt University from these nominations and appointments. However, changes in federal policies and funding priorities could arise from new leadership, which may affect future funding opportunities and collaborations.
- Vanderbilt may need to adjust its strategies for securing federal grants and partnerships, particularly in areas related to agriculture and labor relations.
Relevance Score: 2 (Minor considerations for the university to address due to potential indirect impacts on policies and funding.)
Key Actions
- Office of Federal Relations should monitor the appointment of Arthur Graham to the Board of Directors of the Tennessee Valley Authority. This could impact energy policies and initiatives that may affect Vanderbilt’s sustainability and energy management strategies.
- Vanderbilt Law School may consider analyzing the implications of new appointments to the National Labor Relations Board, as these could influence labor policies and regulations that affect university employment practices and labor relations.
- Vanderbilt’s International Programs should evaluate the potential impacts of Dan Negrea’s appointment to the Economic and Social Council of the United Nations. This could present opportunities for international collaboration and research initiatives aligned with global economic and social policies.
Opportunities
- The appointment of Julie Callahan as Chief Agricultural Negotiator may open avenues for Vanderbilt’s Agricultural Research Programs to engage in international agricultural trade discussions and partnerships, potentially enhancing research funding and collaboration opportunities.
- Vanderbilt’s Energy and Environmental Research Center could explore collaborations with the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, given the new appointment of David LaCerte. This could lead to research opportunities in energy regulation and policy development.
Relevance Score: 3 (Some adjustments are needed to processes or procedures due to potential impacts on energy, labor, and international collaboration policies.)
Timeline for Implementation
July 17, 2025
This directive specifies that the nominations and appointments are to take effect on July 17, 2025. Since that date affords ample time (well over 180 days) before the deadlines for implementation are reached, there is no multiple timeline complication.
Relevance Score: 1
Impacted Government Organizations
- International Civil Aviation Organization: Jeffrey Anderson’s nomination to represent the United States on the ICAO Council impacts U.S. involvement and coordination with this international body overseeing civil aviation standards.
- Office of the United States Trade Representative (USTR): Julie Callahan’s appointment as Chief Agricultural Negotiator affects trade policy and negotiations, particularly those involving agricultural sectors.
- Department of Justice – U.S. Attorneys: Two nominations for U.S. Attorney (Eastern District of Michigan and District of Kansas) directly impact the DOJ’s prosecutorial functions in these regions.
- Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA): Arthur Graham’s appointment as a board member affects governance and oversight of this federally owned corporation responsible for regional economic development.
- United States Mint (Department of the Treasury): Paul Hollis’ nomination as Director of the Mint influences operations and policy in coin production and currency matters.
- Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC): David LaCerte’s nomination to FERC impacts the regulatory oversight of energy markets and interstate electricity transmission.
- Department of Agriculture: Todd Lindsey’s CFO nomination and John Walk’s appointment as Inspector General impact financial management and oversight within the department.
- National Labor Relations Board (NLRB): The appointments of Scott Mayer and James Murphy as board members affect the agency’s role in enforcing labor practices and protecting workers’ rights.
- United Nations – Economic and Social Council: Dan Negrea’s appointment as the U.S. representative and alternate representative to UN General Assembly sessions impacts U.S. diplomatic and multilateral engagement at the United Nations.
Relevance Score: 3 (A moderate number of distinct agencies, around 9, are impacted by this series of nominations.)
Responsible Officials
N/A – The text consists solely of nominations and appointments with no explicit directives being issued for implementation.
Relevance Score: 1 (The actions detailed are procedural nominations, not directives that require implementation by designated officials.)