Population Reference Bureau Names New President

8/25/2003

From: Ellen Carnevale of Population Reference Bureau, 202-939-5407; e-mail: ecarnevale@prb.org.

WASHINGTON, Aug. 25 -- William P. Butz, senior economist at RAND, and formerly an administrator at the U.S. Census Bureau and the National Science Foundation, was appointed president of the Population Reference Bureau on Aug. 22. He begins his duties Oct. 15.

"The appointment of Bill Butz could not have come at a better time for the Population Reference Bureau," notes Michael P. Bentzen, chairman of PRB's Board of Trustees. "PRB is at an exciting juncture in its development in both its international and domestic programs. Bill brings energy and proven leadership for these and other important initiatives. We are delighted with this appointment."

"I am very excited to be joining PRB," says Butz. "It has such a rich history in the field of population, health, and environment. The opportunity to work for an institutional leader that uses its award-winning publications, Internet-based services, and domestic and international programs to reach its audiences in innovative ways was especially attractive."

Butz succeeds Peter J. Donaldson as PRB's president. Donaldson resigned in May 2003 after nine years to join the Population Council as a vice president. Since then, James E. Scott, PRB's director of finance and administration, has been acting president.

William Butz received a B.A. in economics from Indiana University and completed coursework for a Ph.D. in economics from the University of Chicago. He has published more than 80 research and policy papers in journals, in edited volumes, and in other outlets on a variety of topics related to economic demography, nutrition and health, and statistical and social science policy. He has conducted research or provided technical assistance in 28 countries as well as the United States.

Butz is an experienced survey director, applied econometrician, statistical system administrator, science policy executive, and policy adviser. Most recently, his research has focused on the adequacy of the scientific and technical work force in the United States; the technology transfer process that links basic science to industrial production; implications of the worldwide adoption patterns of genetically modified crops; and migration policy options for the European Union.

Prior to joining RAND, William Butz served as division director for social and economic sciences at the National Science Foundation in Washington, D.C., between 1995 and 2001. As associate director for demographic programs at the U.S. Census Bureau between 1983 and 1995, he was responsible for the development and implementation of numerous surveys, as well as the Census Bureau's extensive international research, training, and technical assistance programs.

Butz has served on the boards of directors and advisory boards of a number of government agencies, professional associations, and other organizations, including the Population Association of America, and is currently a member of the board of reviewing editors of Science magazine.

Based in Washington, D.C., the Population Reference Bureau is the leader in providing timely and objective information on U.S. and international population trends and their implications. PRB informs policymakers, educators, the media, and concerned citizens working in the public interest around the world through a broad range of activities including publications, electronic communications, seminars and workshops, and technical support. PRB will be celebrating the 75th anniversary of its founding during 2004.