WASHINGTON — Following a national search, the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine announced today that Monica Feit has been named executive director of its Health and Medicine Division, effective Nov. 1, 2021.

Feit has served since 2017 as deputy executive director for the National Academies’ Division of Behavioral and Social Sciences and Education. In this capacity, she led the design and execution of the Societal Experts Action Network, which brings together leaders and institutions in social, behavioral, and economic fields to provide rapid, actionable responses to urgent policy questions related to COVID-19. Throughout these years, she championed organizational transformation of the National Academies’ program activities, products and publications, and processes. She also assisted in the creation of the National Research Council’s first strategic plan, which will guide the National Academies’ work over the next five years.

Previously, Feit spent four years at the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). There, she was a member of the Senior Executive Service, holding leadership positions at the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration and the Office of the Assistant Secretary for Planning and Evaluation.

Feit also worked at the National Academies from 2010-2013 as a senior program officer, where she directed studies on topics including the health of LGBT populations, the integration of primary care and public health, and the science of child abuse and neglect. Prior to that, Feit was a congressional staffer on the Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions during the development of the Affordable Care Act.

“Monica’s extensive health policy experience, her commitment to our staff’s professional development, and her ability to link our research with new audiences are tremendous assets,” said Gregory Symmes, chief program officer of the National Academies. “She knows the National Academies well, having started her career here, has a detailed understanding of our new strategic direction, and has contributed a wealth of ideas on how to advise the nation on not only the COVID-19 pandemic but other emerging public health and social challenges as well. We’re thrilled to have someone of her caliber leading the Health and Medicine Division.”

Feit holds a doctorate in philosophy from London South Bank University, a master of public health from Columbia University, and bachelor’s degree in government and international relations from Smith College.

The National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine are private, nonprofit institutions that provide independent, objective analysis and advice to the nation to solve complex problems and inform public policy decisions related to science, technology, and medicine. They operate under an 1863 congressional charter to the National Academy of Sciences, signed by President Lincoln.

Contact:
Stephanie Miceli, Media Relations Officer
Office of News and Public Information
202-334-2138; news@nas.edu