Richard Weiblinger

Senior Associate

Areas of Focus

• Biodefense, identity management, cybersecurity and aerospace & defense

• Strategic advisory and due-diligence in mergers and acquisitions and private equity

• Federal budget and acquisition processes and procedures in the homeland security space

Previous Government Experience:

• Policy Advisor to the Chief Medical Officer, U.S. Department of Homeland Security (2007-2009)

• Professional Staff for Health Policy, U.S. Senate Committee on the Budget
  (2005-2007)

• Research Assistant for Health Policy, U.S. Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor and Pensions (2002-2005)

Richard Weiblinger brings a unique skill set and perspective to the Chertoff Group having served in the Legislative and Executive branches of the U.S. Government and in the private sector on a range of critical policy issues, including public health, bioterrorism preparedness, emerging homeland security technologies, and a strong understanding of the Federal budget and appropriations process during his career as a staffer in the U.S. Senate. At the Chertoff Group, Mr. Weiblinger works with a range of clients to provide his first-hand knowledge of trends and requirements in national and global security to better position the private sector to provide critical capabilities to enhance security both at home and abroad.

Prior to joining the Chertoff Group, Mr. Weiblinger worked for Booz Allen Hamilton as an advisor to the Science & Technology Directorate at the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. His priority was to improve the coordination of R&D efforts between the National Laboratories and the homeland security mission.

Mr. Weiblinger served as the lead Policy Advisor to the first Chief Medical Officer for the U.S. Department of Homeland Security to better integrate the nexus of homeland security and health threats to the nation. During his time as Policy Advisor, Mr. Weiblinger played a critical role in establishing the Office of Health Affairs to oversee the Department’s efforts in biodefense, medical preparedness and response, and developing health and safety standards for the Department’s workforce with diverse missions and responsibilities. His position required significant policy and budget coordination within DHS, the White House and key Congressional Committees.

Mr. Weiblinger spent the majority of his career on Capitol Hill focused on health policy and the federal budget. As staff in the U.S. Senate, Mr. Weiblinger played a key role in enhancing the nation’s bioterrorism and pandemic influenza preparedness policy and legal framework through the passage of the Pandemic and All-Hazards Preparedness Act. He also led numerous legislative priorities in the area of public health, bioethics and in developing budget policy for federal health discretionary programs.

Mr. Weiblinger received his undergraduate degree in both Political Science and Information Systems from the University of Maryland, Baltimore County.

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