Craig Stanton

Craig Stanton is the Executive Officer (EO) for the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI), National Institutes of Health. In this role, he serves as principal advisor to the Director on all management issues affecting the NHLBI. Craig oversees the Institute’s Office of Management, including human resource management, administrative services, ethics, contracting, freedom of information, and workforce development branches.

Craig comes to NHLBI with extensive public service and senior management experience, including his prior position as Deputy Director for Administration and Policy at the Institute of Education Sciences (IES) at the U.S Department of Education (ED).

As a data-driven institute IES prioritizes public stakeholder needs, challenges, and opportunities and Craig served as the executive sponsor for change management and training for the “One IES Digital Modernization Project” – a $50 million, 5-year enterprise-wide change management initiative. In this role Craig led the re-conceptualization of all IES digital infrastructure, had oversight of all staff training, and guided the development of enhanced enterprise strategies in diverse areas including acquisition and digital and data governance.

Craig joined the federal service in 2001, and has served in many roles including as a Budget Director (ED), Deputy Assistant Secretary for Management and Planning (ED), and Director of Organizational Development at (Federal Occupational Health). Craig has also been Co-Director of Curriculum and Director of Assessment at the Institute for Transformational Leadership at Georgetown University from 2018 through 2023, where he served as a teacher, mentor, and advisor to adult learners and supported their growth as executive leaders. Craig is an ICF Master Certified Coach, a “listening leader” learning from colleagues, and is committed to diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility.

Craig received his B.A. from the New York University School of Arts and Sciences, his M.A. from the University of Virginia (UVA) Graduate School of Arts and Sciences, and his Juris Doctorate from the UVA School of Law. Craig has been a recipient of multiple awards and recognitions including the 2012 Partnership for Public Service Award for leading the most improved office in the federal government.