Today, U.S. Secretary of Commerce Wilbur Ross announced the interim leadership of the U.S. Census Bureau under the Vacancies Reform Act, effective upon the retirement of Census Bureau Director John Thompson on June 30. Ron Jarmin will perform the non-exclusive functions and duties of the Director. Enrique Lamas will perform the non-exclusive functions and duties of the Deputy Director of the Census.

“Both Mr. Jarmin and Mr. Lamas have had long, distinguished careers at Census, and the Bureau will be well served by their leadership.” said Secretary Ross “The Census Bureau, along with the 2020 Census, are in good hands with these two men at the helm until the Senate confirms new leadership.”

Ron Jarmin currently serves as the Associate Director for Economic Programs at the U.S. Census Bureau, leading the team for the 2017 Economic Census, which provides the foundation for other key measures of economic performance including the nation’s Gross Domestic Product. Starting his Census Bureau tenure in 1992, Mr. Jarmin has also performed the roles of Assistant Director for Economic Studies.

“I am honored to serve in this role at the Census Bureau and am grateful to Secretary Ross for entrusting me with this position.” said Jarmin. “I look forward to working with Enrique and Secretary Ross as we continue to advance the Bureau’s mission, providing timely and accurate data to the American public.”

Enrique Lamas currently serves as the Associate Director for Demographic Programs, overseeing the Demographic Programs Directorate which provides accurate information on the size, distribution, and characteristics of the nation’s population. Beginning his career in 1980 in the Census’ Population Division, Mr. Lamas previously served as Chief of the Population Division, Assistant Division Chief in the Demographic Surveys Division, Chief of the Poverty and Wealth Statistics Branch, and Chief of the Labor Force and Transfer Programs Statistics Branch.

“After 37 years at the Census Bureau, I could not be more pleased at this chance to serve in this leadership role,” said Lamas. “I would like thank Secretary Ross for giving me this opportunity.”

In the Vacancies Reform Act only individuals designated by the President and authorized first assistants can serve in an acting capacity for Presidentially Appointed, Senate-confirmed positions such as Director of the Census. Furthermore, the Secretary of Commerce has the ability to direct eligible employees to perform the role of the Senate-confirmed position when the position is currently vacant. Since the Deputy Director of the Census is not a Senate-confirmed position, the Secretary has the power to designate an employee to serve in that role until one is named.

Mr. Jarmin will remain in authority unless rescinded by Secretary Ross, the President directs an officer or employee to perform the functions and duties of the Director in an acting capacity, or until a Director or Deputy Director of the Census is appointed. Mr. Lamas will remain in authority unless rescinded by Secretary Ross or until a Deputy Director of the Census is appointed.