Pennsylvanians Appointed to Federal Positions

Two items of interest from the inbox, Pennsylvanians named to federal appointments:

Thomas McLellan is one of the nation’s leading experts on addiction and substance abuse. He currently serves as a professor of psychiatry at the University of Pennsylvania and as Chief Executive Officer of the Treatment Research Institute in Philadelphia , a not-for-profit institute dedicated to reducing America ’s dependence on alcohol and drugs. Dr. McLellan was the principal developer of two of the most widely used methods for assessing addiction severity and treatment success. His Addiction Severity Index, which gauges the characteristics and the severity of substance abuse in patients, and his Treatment Services Review, which measures the effectiveness of treatment services, have been adopted around the world and have revolutionized the delivery of treatment to substance abuse patients. His work, which includes 25 years at Veterans Administration Hospitals, has been focused on promoting a better understanding of the factors that lead to treatment success, increasing understanding that addiction is a disease, reducing the stigma associated with addiction, and providing the means for earlier intervention and prevention. He serves as Editor-in-Chief of the Journal of Substance Abuse Treatment, and has published more than 400 articles on addiction research. He has been an advisor to the Office of National Drug Control Policy, the World Health Organization, the Partnership for a Drug Free America, and the American Psychiatric Association among others. He received a Life Achievement Award from the American Society of Addiction Medicine in 2003, and in 2004 was named Innovator of the Year by the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation. McLellan holds a B.A. from Colgate University , an M.S. and Ph.D. from Bryn Mawr, and received postgraduate training in psychology at Oxford University in England.

And

Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack today announced the appointment of Cheryl Cook as Deputy Under Secretary for Rural Development.

USDA Rural Development is the lead federal entity for the nation's rural development needs. In 2008, the agency invested more than $20 billion in rural America through its programs.

In this position, Cook will manage policies and programs in Rural Development's three main areas: Business and Cooperatives, Housing and Community Facilities, and Utilities.

"Cheryl Cook brings with her a distinguished record of service as well as a keen understanding of the unique challenges and opportunities facing rural Americans today," Vilsack said. "I am confident that she will help USDA achieve President Obama's goals for rebuilding and revitalizing the nation's rural communities. Cheryl Cook is a highly experienced leader committed to expanding broadband networks, increasing investment in rural infrastructure and developing renewable energy."

Before joining USDA, Cook served as Deputy Secretary for Marketing and Economic Development at the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture. In that role, she often worked with several other USDA agencies, including the Food and Nutrition Service, the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, and the Agricultural Marketing Service. Cook had previously worked for the Keystone Development Center, a non-profit organization in Pennsylvania that helps new and emerging cooperatives. She was also a member of the National Farmers Union's public policy staff.

Cook received her bachelor's degree from Lebanon Valley College in Annville, Pa., and a law degree from The Dickinson School of Law in Carlisle, Pa.