Bio
Steven James Tingus is recognized as a national expert in disability,
aging, and health care policy. He has more than fifteen years of
experience in managing issues impacting the disability and aging
communities, and the health care and medical rehabilitation research
field.
Prior to joining the Los Amigos Research and Education Institute, Inc.
(LAREI) —established in 1956 as a non-profit organization to administer
medical research and educational programs at Rancho Los Amigos National
Rehabilitation Center in Downey, CA — in February 2010 as Chief
Government and Public Relations Officer, Mr. Tingus worked at the U.S.
Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) in Washington, DC. He joined
HHS in July 2007 and served until January 2009 as Deputy Assistant
Secretary for Planning and Evaluation (Disability, Aging, and Long-Term
Care Policy) within the Office of the Secretary. Before joining HHS, Mr.
Tingus served from October 2001 to June 2007 as Director of the National
Institute on Disability and Rehabilitation Research, a component of the
Office of Special Education and Rehabilitative Services, at the U.S.
Department of Education in Washington, DC. Earlier in California, Mr.
Tingus served from July 1998 to August 2001 as Director of Public Policy
and Resource Development for the California Foundation for Independent
Living Centers, Inc., and from May 1995 to June 1998 he served as Health
Care Policy Analyst for the California Department of Health Services’
Office of Long Term Care. Mr. Tingus previously worked as a Postgraduate
Researcher at the University of California, Davis, from August 1992 through
July 1994, where his research focused on muscular dystrophy and the effect
of anabolic steroids on skeletal muscle regeneration.
Mr. Tingus earned a Bachelor of Science degree in 1985 from the University
of California, Davis, in Biological Sciences, and also earned a Master of
Science degree in 1990 and a Candidate in Philosophy degree (Ph.D. ABD) in
Physiology in 1994. Before moving to Washington, DC, Tingus was accepted
and completed four courses toward earning a Master of Public Administration
degree and a Certificate in Political Management from the University of
Southern California, School of Policy, Planning, and Development, USC State
Capital Center, in Sacramento, California.
Mr. Tingus has received many awards at the non-profit, state and Federal
level for his exceptional leadership in the establishment and
implementation of public policies and research programs that enhance the
quality of life for people with disabilities and seniors. For example,
during 2007, Tingus received the U.S. Department of Health and Human
Services, Food and Drug Administration Commissioner’s Special Citation
Award—this award honors exceptional leadership in the establishment and
implementation of interagency scientific and technical collaborations
supporting the availability of advanced medical technologies for patients
in need of adaptive or rehabilitation services. In 2006, Tingus received
the United Cerebral Palsy Research and Educational Foundation’s 2006
Isabelle and Leonard Goldenson Technology and Rehabilitation Award—this
award is given for meritorious public service or scientific achievement in
rehabilitation and assistive technology contributions for people with
cerebral palsy and other developmental disabilities. In 2005, Tingus
received the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Food and Drug
Administration Commissioner’s Special Citation Award—this award honors
outstanding leadership in the development of interagency scientific and
technical collaborations for advanced medical technologies. In 2003,
Tingus received the Best New Freedom Individual Award from the Jim Mullen
Foundation—fellow nominees included Judge Ann Burke, David B. Gray,
Christopher Reeve, and Pat Scherer—this award honors the individual whose
efforts have the most extraordinary impact on people who have a disability.
He also received the National Spinal Cord Injury Association’s Gil Moss
Award—this award honors outstanding contributions enhancing the quality
of life for people with spinal cord injuries. Tingus was also nominated in
2003 for the Gold Key Award from the American Congress of Rehabilitation
Medicine, the organization’s highest award.
Mr. Tingus currently lives in Los Angeles, California.
