Dr. Michaels, an epidemiologist and professor at George Washington University School of Public Health, was appointed as the 12th Assistant Secretary of Labor for Occupational Safety and Health in December, 2009.  Having served seven years with OSHA, Dr. Michaels is the longest serving Assistant Secretary.

Dr. Michaels recently announced that he would be returning to George Washington University in January 2017.  It is unclear when his last day as the head of OSHA will be, however, he plans on returning before Inauguration day, Friday January 30, 2017.