New Census Director Confirmed

The Senate on Friday approved think tank president John Thompson as the next Census Bureau director, a post that has been open for the past year. He was cleared on a voice vote.

“Thompson has a strong background in statistics and issues related to the census,” said Sen. Tom Carper, D-Del., chairman of the Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee. “He brings a wealth of experience and service to his new role, and his previous tenure at the bureau means he is also familiar with the agency’s unique culture and mission. Most importantly, he understands the important link between a well-run agency and a successful enumeration.”

Commerce Secretary Penny Pritzker issued a statement saying she has “full confidence that Mr. Thompson will be a tremendous leader of one of the nation’s premier statistical agencies.” She added that she is “committed to ensuring that the Census Bureau has the resources it needs to continue supplying essential data to businesses and government leaders.”

Thompson’s current employer, the University of Chicago-based NORC research organization, also posted a congratulatory message on its website.

(Image via Flickr user kevinspencer )