Former HHS Leader Named New Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense

Retired U.S. Public Health Service Rear Admiral Susan Orsega has been named the new Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for Health Services Policy and Oversight.

Former U.S. Public Health Service Rear Adm. Susan Orsega, a 2001 alumna of USU's GSN, administers the oath

of offices to graduating USU Public Health Service medical students in 2019. (Photo by Tom Balfour, USU)

April 2, 2024 by Ian Neligh

Retired U.S. Public Health Service Rear Admiral Susan Orsega has been named the new Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for Health Services Policy and Oversight.

Retired U.S. Public Health Service Rear

Admiral, Susan Orsega

Orsega, a former acting U.S. Surgeon General, graduated from the Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences’ (USU) Daniel K. Inouye Graduate School of Nursing in 2001.

 "She’s been a leader in public health for more than 30 years and her strong interagency relationships and professional expertise will help us tremendously as we move forward,” said Dr. Lester Martinez-Lopez, Assistant Secretary of Defense for Health Affairs.  

Orsega was previously assigned at the Department of Health and Human Services, where she served as the principal adviser to the Assistant Secretary for Health and the Surgeon General.  She has a lengthy career in leadership, nursing, and management of public health emergencies and infectious diseases, including Ebola, HIV/AIDS and other emerging infections.  

“We are proud of Susan Orsega’s many career achievements, and especially proud of her new leadership role in the Department of Defense,” said Dr. Carol Romano, dean of the  USU’s Graduate School of Nursing. “She brings a valued perspective and a high level of excellence to the mission we all share.”