Gregory Downing, D.O., Ph.D. is the Executive Director for Innovation in the Immediate Office of the Secretary at the United States Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). In this role he helps promote innovation and entrepreneurship activities across HHS. In addition, he supports open government activities through uses of technology and data to promote improvement in health and health care. Prior to his move to HHS in 2006, Dr. Downing served at the National Institutes of Health since 1993 in research, policy, and program management roles. Dr. Downing earned his medical degree from Michigan State University and his Ph.D. in pharmacology from the University of Kansas.