WASHINGTON--On Thursday, President Bush nominated longtime federal official Kerry N. Weems to be the next CMS administrator.

If he is confirmed by the Senate, Weems would take over the top job as overseer for the government's Medicare and Medicaid programs. He would succeed Mark McClellan, who resigned in October.

Weems, currently deputy chief of staff to HHS Secretary Mike Leavitt, has been with CMS for 24 years, during that time serving as advisor to several HHS secretaries and as acting assistant secretary for budget, technology and finance. Leavitt said in a statement that Weems "understands the large fiscal challenges facing Medicare and Medicaid" and "has been a leader in the department's efforts to accelerate adoption of health information technology and better financial management systems."

Bush also nominated Tevi David Troy as deputy secretary at HHS. Troy currently serves as deputy assistant to the president for domestic policy.

"Both bring a broad array of knowledge, management experience and expertise that will enhance our ability to advance effective policies to improve Americans' health," Leavitt said.

Since McClellan's resignation, Leslie Norwalk, previously deputy administrator at the agency, has served as CMS acting administrator. According to news reports, Norwalk withdrew from consideration for the permanent appointment, telling CMS staffers she did not want to commit to serving for the remainder of Bush's term but would stay in office while the Senate considers Weems' nomination.