Commentary From Those Who Know Patrick D. Gallagher, PhD

“The American people owe a debt of gratitude to Pat Gallagher for his 20 years of service at the Department of Commerce. Pat embodies the best in public service: passionate, committed, innovative, and results-oriented. While we at the Department will miss Pat very much, I am excited he has received his dream opportunity to lead his alma mater as the new Chancellor of the University of Pittsburgh. The University is indeed lucky to attract a person who has an ability to bring people together and form coalitions to get things done. Simply put, Pat has been an incredible partner and friend to so many in the Federal government, me included, as well as an outstanding leader for the Department of Commerce. All of us wish him the best in his new position."
—Penny Pritzker, U.S. Secretary of Commerce

“I am delighted to hear that Dr. Patrick Gallagher will be appointed as Chancellor of the University of Pittsburgh. Dr. Gallagher has served as an innovative and effective leader of the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST). In this role, he led collaborative work to improve productivity and quality among U.S. manufacturers, and recently led an effort to set national guidelines on systems security among American businesses. Recognizing his skills, he was appointed Acting Deputy Secretary at the U.S. Department of Commerce last June, which made him the chief operating officer of that organization. I had the pleasure of working closely with Patrick at the Department of Commerce. He was always a valuable colleague and leader, with excellent management skills and a collaborative work style. He understands scientific inquiry, and how to translate that to nonscientists. Even more importantly, Patrick is a strategic thinker who knows how to establish and implement a vision for the organization that he leads.”
—Rebecca Blank, Chancellor, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Former Deputy Secretary and Acting Secretary, U.S. Department of Commerce

“I am delighted that Pat Gallagher will become the next Chancellor of the University of Pittsburgh. I very much enjoyed my collaborations with Pat when our careers overlapped in Washington, DC, as heads of federal agencies. It was a pleasure to partner with him as we helped launch the National Robotics Initiative, the Big Data Initiative, and the Advance Manufacturing Initiative. I am excited about the great possibilities ahead for CMU and Pitt to continue our collaboration as we take these two great universities, the City of Pittsburgh, and the Western Pennsylvania region to even greater heights through our friendship and partnership."—Subra Suresh, President, Carnegie Mellon University

"Pat Gallagher has been an extraordinary leader at NIST (National Institute of Standards and Technology). He is wise in the ways of both scientific research and governmental policy. He has unusually broad scientific interests, ranging from problems of manufacturing, to DNA fingerprinting, to energy innovation and innovation policy. Most importantly, he combines enormous integrity and great optimism with an exceptional ability to work with people. He is a superb choice to lead the University of Pittsburgh."
—Eric Lander, President and Founding Director, Broad Institute

COMMENTS FROM SEARCH COMMITTEE MEMBERS:

“We were searching for the next great leader of our great university—someone who could continue our upward trajectory. Pat is that person.”
—Eva Tansky Blum, Pitt Trustee and Search Committee Chair; Executive Vice President and Director, Community Affairs, PNC Bank; and Chair and President, The PNC Foundation

“Pat Gallagher combines all of the attributes that the Pitt community wanted in our new Chancellor: excellent leadership and academic credentials, a tremendous track record in leading a complex research organization, commitment to building on the accomplishments of Chancellor Nordenberg and taking Pitt to an even higher level of excellence, and commitment to partnering with all of our stakeholders and with the larger community. The icing on the cake is that he is an alumnus and has always considered Pitt and Pittsburgh to be his home. I’m thrilled that we were able to find the perfect candidate.”
—Marlee S. Myers, Morgan, Lewis & Bockius LLP

“When one looks at Patrick Gallagher's résumé it is apparent that he has outstanding credentials to serve as Chancellor of the University of Pittsburgh, but when one meets Pat Gallagher it is readily apparent that he has even greater interpersonal qualities that will, I believe, cause all students, faculty, staff, and alumni to embrace the vision and leadership he will provide to further advance the great foundation that Chancellor Nordenberg has laid. I believe Patrick Gallagher has the skills and human qualities to continue that trajectory of excellence that will further advance the mission of education and research that Pitt has become known for."
—Jack Smith, Pitt Trustee and Chairman, Department of Orthopedics, Excela Health System

“Pat Gallagher’s experience in bioscience and health should serve him well. At NIST and Commerce he oversaw the development of medical diagnostic tests, improvements in the quality and cost-effectiveness of health care electronic records, faster screening of promising vaccines, and other areas where NIST sponsored research serves the needs of the bioscience and health community.”
—Donald S. Burke, Dean, University of Pittsburgh Graduate School of Public Health

“Dr. Gallagher’s experience in science and engineering and his insight into government programs supporting these fields will certainly benefit the University and the region. In particular, his background in building and leading manufacturing programs should be invaluable as we develop our leadership in additive manufacturing.”
—Gerald D. Holder, U.S. Steel Dean of Engineering, University of Pittsburgh Swanson School of Engineering

“From a regional campus perspective, Dr. Gallagher has experience leading a large organization with several campuses across the United States. The impressive part was how these campuses felt connected to the headquarters due to Dr. Gallagher’s leadership style. His vision connected directly to every member of the organization and everyone was part of the team—regardless of location.”
—Jerry W. Samples, Professor of Mechanical Engineering, Pitt-Johnstown

“It has truly been an honor to be a part of the Chancellor Search Committee, and I am so grateful for this experience. The past four years have been absolutely wonderful and this unique opportunity has certainly furthered my love for Pitt. I am beyond delighted to know that Patrick Gallagher will serve as our next Chancellor and am confident in the notion that he will not only serve as an excellent leader, but continue to move Pitt forward.”
—Amelia R. Brause, Pitt Student Government Board Member