Roger Heusser

Roger Heusser (1941–) is a retired chemist, manager, and civil servant.

Mr. Heusser held a number of positions within the United States Department of Energy (DOE) from 1968-2000, including roles as the:

*Acting Director, Office of Nuclear & National Security
*Acting Director, Office of Declassification, Security Affairs
*Deputy Director, Office of Declassificaiton, Security Affairs
*Deputy Director, Office of Classification and Technology Policy, Defense Program at the Department of Energy (DOE).
*Director, Division of Nuclear Materials

Mr. Heusser is probably best known his role in preparing a report in early 1989 recommending strengthening of the United States (U.S.) nuclear nonproliferation policy with regard to Iraq, and his subsequent testimony before congress on April 24, 1991 on that issue. (before the first Iraq war)

At the time, Mr. Heusser believed that Iraq's research and intelligence methods had them much closer to nuclear capabilities that than most federal decision-makers realized. Although the federal information was classified, his concern involved information freely available in the private sector, and his proof that great number of foreign nations were sending "dear colleague" letters to privat-sector workers at national laboratories. Mr. Heusser attempted to coordinate and brief the secretary of energy on these matters. His report was circulated and discussed with Dr. Gilbert, then the Deputy Assistant Secretary for Security Affairs, Defense Programs, and Admiral Watkins, the Deputy Assistant Secretary for Intelligence. Ultimately, the group could not reach consensus, and the report did not reach the secretary. At that point, in Mr. Heusser's words "we decided to increase our attention on our export control review activities regarding Iraq and to do the best we could with our limited resources to closely monitor the situation." (Prepared statement to congress, April 24, 1991)

On December 18, 1998, President William Jefferson Clinton ordered the bombing of several chemical sites in Iraq, citing Iraq's development of Weapons of Mass Destruction and nuclear weapons program. There is some speculation that those "dear colleague" letters provided Iraq with the information to create a nuclear program, but not direct evidence.

Mr. Heusser received a B.S. degree in Chemistry from LinfieldCollege (1963) in Oregon; a M.S. degree in Chemistry from OregonState University (1968); and a M.B.A. degree in Management fromFrostburg State College (1980) in Maryland, graduating Summa Cum Laude. He was awarded three Department of Energy "Gold" Awards during his career as a civil servant.

Mr. Heusser current resides in Salem, Oregon, with his wife, Nadine Heusser, and is committed to volunteer activities such as the Salem public library and Blackwoods mansion. His youngest son, Matthew Heusser has referred to him publicly in presentations on software and quality.

External links

For a transcript of Roger Heusser's testimony before congress, follow this link: http://www.fas.org/spp/starwars/congress/1991_h/h910424h.htm

An article on Mr. Heusser's Retirement:
* http://www.fas.org/sgp/eprint/doelast.html

Mr. Heusser quotes by the Associated Press:
* http://www.tri-cityherald.com/news/oldnews/1997/1223.html