Nomination and Withdrawals Sent to the Senate

3/12/2026

Nominations & Appointments

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Action Summary

Date: March 12, 2026
Nominations Sent to the Senate:
- Sarah B. Rogers, from New York, nominated to serve as Chief Executive Officer of the United States Agency for Global Media.
Withdrawals Sent to the Senate:
- William Hewes III, from Mississippi, withdrawn from nomination for Commissioner of the Consumer Product Safety Commission for a seven-year term starting October 27, 2024 (originally sent on January 13, 2026).
- Jeremy Carl, from Montana, withdrawn from nomination for Assistant Secretary of State (International Organizations) (originally sent on January 13, 2026).

Risks & Considerations

The nomination of Sarah B. Rogers as CEO of the United States Agency for Global Media could lead to changes in media regulations and policies affecting how universities communicate and engage with broader audiences. This might impact Vanderbilt’s outreach and public relations strategies.
William Hewes III’s withdrawal from consideration as a Commissioner of the Consumer Product Safety Commission may result in a gap in leadership that could delay important consumer safety initiatives. This could indirectly affect university research projects related to consumer safety and product development.
The withdrawal of Jeremy Carl from consideration as Assistant Secretary of State for International Organizations might slow the progress on international collaborations that involve educational exchanges or research initiatives, potentially limiting Vanderbilt’s global engagement opportunities.
Changes in federal leadership roles often lead to shifts in funding priorities, which could impact Vanderbilt’s access to federal grants and influence its research funding landscape.

Impacted Programs

Research Initiatives: Programs focusing on media studies and communication may need to adapt to new regulations under the U.S. Agency for Global Media.
Vanderbilt’s Global Engagement Office: May need to reassess international partnerships and strategies due to potential changes in foreign policy stemming from new appointments.
Consumer Safety Research: Projects related to product safety and consumer behavior may need to adjust in response to the absence of a Commissioner at the Consumer Product Safety Commission.
Federal Funding Offices: The Financial Aid Office may need to re-evaluate grant strategies in light of potential shifts in federal funding priorities.

Financial Impact

Changes in federal appointments can lead to altered funding landscapes, impacting the availability of grants for research and educational programs at Vanderbilt.
The withdrawal of nominees might create uncertainty in federal funding for specific initiatives, necessitating adjustments in Vanderbilt’s budgeting and financial planning.
Increased competition for limited federal funds may require Vanderbilt to enhance its grant writing and partnership strategies to secure necessary funding.
Potential funding cuts or changes in policy direction could necessitate a reevaluation of existing financial aid programs, affecting the university’s ability to support students from diverse backgrounds.

Relevance Score: 3 (The nominations and withdrawals present moderate risks typically involving compliance and adjustments in strategy.)

Key Actions

The Office of Federal Relations should actively monitor the nominations and appointments made by the President, particularly those related to federal funding and policy directions that may impact Vanderbilt University. Engaging with newly appointed officials can facilitate communication and influence decision-making in favor of the university’s interests.
The Vanderbilt University Medical Center should prepare for potential funding fluctuations stemming from changes in leadership at key federal agencies, particularly the U.S. Agency for Global Media and the Consumer Product Safety Commission. Proactive engagement strategies should be developed to safeguard existing funding and advocate for continued support for medical research initiatives.
The Legal and Compliance Office should assess the implications of the ongoing investigations into federal funding practices and race-based scholarships. This assessment can help ensure compliance with federal regulations and maintain Vanderbilt’s eligibility for future funding opportunities.
Given the recent withdrawals of nominations, the Office of Academic Affairs should identify potential gaps in leadership within federal agencies and consider strategic outreach to fill those gaps with Vanderbilt representatives or allies who can advocate for the university’s priorities.
The Department of Political Science should analyze the political landscape surrounding the new nominations and withdrawals to better understand their implications on education policy and federal funding. This research can provide critical insights that inform Vanderbilt’s strategic response to federal initiatives.

Opportunities

The nomination of Sarah B. Rogers as CEO of the U.S. Agency for Global Media presents an opportunity for Vanderbilt to enhance its global educational programs, potentially leveraging media and communication initiatives to expand its international reach and influence.
The university can engage with federal agencies to advocate for policies that support educational equity and access, particularly in light of ongoing discussions surrounding consumer product safety which may impact educational materials and supplies.
Vanderbilt should consider establishing partnerships with the newly appointed officials in relevant federal agencies to co-develop programs that align with the university’s strategic goals, particularly in areas pertaining to research funding and educational reform.

Relevance Score: 3 (The actions and opportunities identified reflect the need for some adjustments to processes and procedures in light of the recent nominations and withdrawals.)

Average Relevance Score: 2

Timeline for Implementation

January 13, 2026 – Withdrawals were sent to the Senate on this date.
March 12, 2026 – This date marks the nominations and appointments directive.

Based on the earliest deadline (January 13, 2026), the directive is set well over 180 days from issuance.

Relevance Score: 1

Impacted Government Organizations

United States Agency for Global Media: The nomination of Sarah B. Rogers as Chief Executive Officer directly involves this agency, which plays a central role in the international dissemination of U.S. government-funded media.
Consumer Product Safety Commission: The withdrawal of William Hewes III’s nomination for a Commissioner position affects the commission responsible for protecting the public against unreasonable risks of injury or death associated with consumer products.
Department of State: The withdrawal of Jeremy Carl’s nomination for Assistant Secretary of State (International Organizations) impacts the Department of State, which handles the nation’s international relations and diplomacy efforts.

Relevance Score: 2 (Three federal agencies are affected by these nomination actions.)

Responsible Officials

N/A – The text provided a notice of nominations and withdrawals to the Senate rather than specific directives that require implementation by designated officials.

Relevance Score: 1 (The actions do not impose implementation responsibilities on any officials, merely administrative personnel changes.)