CSB Announces Internal Reorganization, Creates Managing Director Position

Moure-Eraso appointed Dr. Daniel Horowitz, longtime director of Congressional, public and board affairs, to fill the newly created position. Horowitz will report to the chair and oversee operations including investigations, studies, recommendations, incident selection, Congressional and public affairs, financial operations, human resources, information technology and administration. His appointment was unanimously approved by the five-member, presidentially appointed CSB Board.   

“I believe this new organization will result in moving our agency to an even higher level of performance and commitment to our mission,” said Moure-Eraso.

The realignment is consistent with recommendations from the U.S. Government Accountability Office and the CSB Office of Inspector General for improving the efficiency of CSB operations.  Existing CSB staff temporarily will fill the day-to-day public affairs and incident selection roles held by Horowitz.

“My vision is to expand the size and capacity of the CSB so that we are capable of investigating a broader variety of accidents and hazards while focusing on our mission of detecting the root causes of catastrophic incidents in order to prevent recurrences,” said Moure-Eraso. “We are in for a busy and important era as we investigate the BP Deepwater Horizon catastrophe and many other significant accidents. I want us all to keep in mind the important mission of the CSB – to work to save the lives of workers and the public through the prevention of chemical accidents.”   

Horowitz’s New Role

Horowitz, who joined the CSB staff in May 2000, holds a doctorate in organic chemistry from the Cambridge University, a master’s degree in biophysical chemistry from Stanford and a bachelor’s degree in chemistry from Harvard. Prior to joining the CSB, he held positions in the private sector and served as an American Chemical Society Congressional Science Fellow in 1994-95. His scientific research led to a number of published articles and United States patents.

“Dr. Horowitz has worked tirelessly since he joined the CSB in 2000 to help position the agency as an internationally known force for chemical process safety,” said Moure-Eraso. “He has been instrumental in the CSB’s earning the respect of chemical industry managers, labor organizations, community groups, members of Congress, local officials and the public.”

Moure-Eraso credited Horowitz with developing and expanding CSB’s safety video program, broadening the effectiveness of CSB reports and recommendations and effectively leading media and public affairs work in both the United States and abroad.

“I am deeply honored by this appointment, and I look forward to helping implement the board’s vision for a high-performing safety agency that continues to serve the important needs of our stakeholders and the public,” said Horowitz.