Indigo Journal

Tenebaum to head U.S. Product Safety Commission

Posted on 05. May, 2009 by Tim Kelly in SC Politics

Inez Tenebaum, an early backer of President Obama in last year's South Carolina primary, has been tapped to head the U.S. Product Safety Commission.

The president asked Congress for $107 million to fund the agency charged with ensuring that products from toys and cribs to ATVs and toasters are safe for use. He is also increasing the number of seats on the commission from three to five.

Tenenbaum, who ran for the Senate in 2004, served two terms as South Carolina’s education chief. Before that, she practiced law and worked for the state House.

The president also nominated Robert Adler, a former lawyer and adviser to the panel, for an open board seat. Adler, who advised Obama during his transition, teaches at the University of North Carolina. Earlier in his career, he spent 11 years at the CPSC as an attorney and adviser to two commissions.

The CPSC, headquartered in Bethesda, Md., has about 430 employees. The agency oversees about 15,000 products.

Congratulations to Inez!