#United States #Washington #CPSC #Consumer Safety #Brien Lorenze

Brien Lorenze Joins CPSC as New Executive Director

In a significant move aimed at enhancing consumer safety, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) has appointed Brien Lorenze as its new Executive Director. This announcement was made on March 6, 2025, marking a pivotal moment for the agency that plays a crucial role in safeguarding consumers against potential hazards associated with a vast array of products.

As Executive Director, Lorenze will serve as the chief operating officer of the CPSC, overseeing its diverse programmatic, operational, and administrative functions. His responsibilities include managing the agency's regulatory portfolio, which is essential for identifying and mitigating risks associated with consumer products.

A Wealth of Experience

Lorenze brings to the table an impressive portfolio of over 20 years in leadership roles across various sectors, both public and private. His most recent position was as a senior advisor at the Treasury Department's Financial Crimes Enforcement Network. In this role, he applied his expertise in tackling intricate financial crimes and oversaw initiatives that bolstered regulatory frameworks.

Before his tenure at the Treasury, Lorenze was the Chief Data Officer for the Pandemic Response Accountability Committee. This committee was established by Congress in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, tasked with overseeing the allocation and usage of pandemic relief funds. His work here highlighted his knack for data analysis and operational efficiency, crucial for managing resources effectively during crises.

Lorenze’s career also includes a significant stint at Deloitte, where he led the Global Public Sector advisory business. His innovative approach led him to establish a robust cloud-based solution employing advanced data analytics, which aimed to detect instances of waste, fraud, and abuse within public spending. His prior leadership roles at BearingPoint and IBM Global Services were also instrumental in shaping his expertise in strategic operations and technology adoption.

Vision for the Future

Peter Feldman, CPSC's Acting Chairman, expressed confidence in Lorenze's capabilities, stating, "Brien is an extremely accomplished executive with experience in the public and private sectors. He understands how large organizations work and how to make them work better." Feldman emphasizes the importance of leveraging technology to enhance the CPSC's effectiveness and efficiency in its mission to protect consumers.

The CPSC’s role is undeniably critical; it is tasked with shielding the public from unreasonable risks associated with countless consumer products. Consumer product-related injuries and incidents lead to over $1 trillion in costs annually throughout the nation, underscoring the imperative need for effective oversight and safety measures.

Founded over 50 years ago, the CPSC has been at the forefront of ensuring the safety of various consumer goods, contributing to a decrease in product-related injuries over the decades. Lorenze's leadership is anticipated to propel the agency further into leveraging technology and innovative solutions in consumer safety practices.

Academic Background

Lorenze holds a Master of Public Administration from The George Washington University and a Bachelor of Science in Business from the University of Colorado-Boulder. His educational background, coupled with his professional experiences, positions him uniquely to lead the agency during this crucial period.

His appointment comes at a time when safety regulations are increasingly challenged by new technologies and innovative products entering the market. The CPSC's continued commitment to adapting to these changes while maintaining consumer safety will be pivotal in the years to come.

As Lorenze embarks on this new chapter with the CPSC, stakeholders await the implementation of initiatives that not only enhance consumer safety but also improve the agency's operational frameworks. This appointment signals a renewed focus on implementing strategic changes within the agency, promising a safer experience for consumers across the nation.

For further updates on Brien Lorenze's initiatives and the CPSC's ongoing efforts in consumer product safety, stay tuned to official CPSC communications channels.