New Associate Director for Nutrition Science in the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy (OSTP)  Non–cabinet-level position, President-appointed and Senate-confirmed
Serves as the President's advisor on issues related to nutrition research
Modeled after other Associate Director positions and initiatives
Provides high-level leadership and harmonization to leverage and translate federal and nonfederal nutrition research efforts
Identify and help develop more coordinated and innovative nutrition research initiatives  Brings a key leader to the White House for improved coordination, communication, and strategic planning
Elevates work and impact of individual federal departments and agencies and the ICHNR
Can hire advisors, special assistants, and fellows to deepen expertise and impact
Creates collaborations with private sector, state and local governments, academic communities, other countries  OSTP positions can vary greatly from one administration to the next, greatly limiting long-term continuity and success
OSTP initiatives may not align with focus or levels of research funding
Staffing often small, transient, and reliant on temporary staff
Success highly dependent on the skills and interests of the hired person  Presidential appointment, with Senate confirmation