DOWNEY - Steven James Tingus has been named chief government and public relations officer at Los Amigos Research and Education Institute in Downey.LAREI administers medical research and educational programs at Rancho Los Amigos National Rehabilitation Center, which is part of the Los Angeles County Department of Health Services. Tingus has an extensive career in disability, aging, health care policy and rehabilitation research administration. He will lead a team of clinicians and researchers known internationally for pioneering work in rehabilitation medicine for more than 50 years. "Throughout his career, Mr. Tingus has distinguished himself as a leader and advocate for people with disabilities, and has served in senior-level positions at the state and federal government level," said Charles A. Stewart, MD, LAREI president. "As chief government and public relations officer, Tingus will harness his political and research administration experience by working across LAREI/Rancho's highly specialized clinical practices to drive new research opportunities and lead public relations campaigns using print, television, radio and social media." "Mr. Tingus will highlight new experimental and emerging evidence for rehabilitation therapies that lead to improved recovery of function and qualify of life that has always been the hallmark of LAREI," Stewart added. "Mr. Tingus' arrival enhances the stature of LAREI and Rancho, and underscores our ability to attract top research and policy administrators who share our mission of improving rehabilitation outcomes for our most vulnerable populations," said Mindy L. Aisen, MD, chief medical officer at Rancho. "Everyone at Rancho Los Amigos National Rehabilitation Center is grateful that Steven has joined us to advance the health, wellness and quality of life for all." Tingus previously served as deputy assistant secretary for planning and evaluation within the Office of the Secretary at the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services in Washington, D.C., where he led policy efforts impacting the disability and aging communities. Before joining HHS, Tingus served as director of the National Institute on Disability and Rehabilitation Research, a component of the Office of Special Education and Rehabilitation Services a the U.S. Department of Education in Washington. Earlier in California, he served as director of public policy and resource development at the California Foundation for Independent Living Centers, and served as health care policy analyst for the California Department of Health Services' office of long term care. "My staff and I welcome Mr. Tingus at LAREI," said Julia LaPlount, executive director at LAREI. "We not only appreciate the talents that he brings to his position, but admire the challenges that he overcomes as a person with a disability and his team approach/sense of humor that my staff enjoys." Tingus is a graduate of UC Davis (B.S., M.S., and Ph.D. candidate) and has received many awards at the non-profit, state and federal level for leadership in the establishment and implementation of public policies and research programs that enhance the qualify of life for people with disabilities and seniors.

********** Published: March 26, 2010 - Volume 8 - Issue 49