John Finklea

John F. (Jack) Finklea was a physician, professor, researcher, and public health administrator notable for his leadership of the Environmental Protection Agency's National Center for Environmental Research and the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health.

Background John Finklea, a native of Florence, South Carolina, earned his B.S. from Davidson College at Davidson, N.C., and his M.D. from the Medical University of South Carolina. He also received master's and doctorate degrees in public health from the University of Michigan. Finklea began his medical career as a physician and a professor at a series of medical schools. His interest in public health took root as he researched air pollution health hazards for the Federal government. a conclusion that rankled many in the power industry. Within months of his appointment, Finklea had NIOSH issuing a steady stream of alerts on toxic substances. Additionally, Finklea called on Congress to adopt toxic substances legislation related to carcinogenic pesticides, and Kepone in particular.

Resource constraints Finklea suggested that NIOSH did not have the resources to fully execute its mandate. For the millions of workers who Finklea claimed were at risk, NIOSH "would require the combined efforts of all government agencies involved in evaluating or regulating substances to which workers are exposed." He was forced to drop a number of projects because of budget and workforce constraints, among them a study of workplace stress.

With NIOSH's limited resources, Finklea chose to direct the researchers under him toward the completion of criteria documents—scientific literature surveys that determine the relative dangers of workplace substances. Preparation of the documents accounted for over 40% of NIOSH's budget.

Departure After nearly three years as its director, John Finklea abruptly resigned. He did not publicly announce the departure or offer any specific reason. His spot as director was filled on an acting basis by J. Donald Millar, who described NIOSH at that time as being afflicted with "alienation and conflict".

CDC In 1989, Finklea became assistant director of the Injury Control Program at the Centers for Disease Control in Atlanta, Georgia, and he chaired its research review committee.

Personal life In 1979, Finklea survived a coronary occlusion and bypass surgery. He had a second coronary occlusion and repeated bypass surgery in 1990.