Lizzy Ragan has been appointed to the White House’s Office of Science and Technology Policy (OSTP) by the President’s Commission of White House Fellows for the 2022-2023 class, according to a press release published on Sept. 14.
During her time at OSTP, Ragan will support implementation of the American Pandemic Preparedness Plan – a program by the Biden-Harris administration dedicated to transforming U.S. capabilities to respond rapidly and effectively to any future high consequence biological threat.
Originally from Beavercreek, Ore., Ragan has an extensive background in public health with expertise in infectious diseases.
Most recently, she spent nearly six years at the Boston Medical Center (BMC), after graduating from Boston University with her Master of Public Health in epidemiology and global health, with a focus on infectious disease.
Ragan worked with BMC leadership in response to COVID-19 to launch and sustain a novel biorepository to support critical pandemic response research. The fellow also managed a Massachusetts-wide program addressing inequitable access to COVID-19 vaccines and care.
According to her LinkedIn account, Ragan is a disability and Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion advocate in the workplace, and said she is “beyond grateful, honored, and thrilled” to start her new position.
The White House Fellows program was founded in 1964, and according to the press release, “offers exceptional young leaders first-hand experience working at the highest levels of the Federal government. Fellows spend a year working with senior White House Staff, Cabinet Secretaries, and other top-ranking Administration officials, and leave the Administration equipped to serve as better leaders in their communities.”
