Jeppson Assumes US Mint Deputy Director Position

New leadership has been appointed at the United States Mint with Rhett Jeppson assuming the position of principal deputy director.

Treasurer of the United States Rosie Rios announced the appointment earlier this month, with Jeppson officially assuming the duties just over two weeks ago, on Jan.12, 2015. He takes the helm from Dick Peterson who had alternated between serving as deputy U.S. Mint director and as acting U.S. Mint director since Jan. 25, 2011

"In making the announcement, Treasurer of the United States Rosie Rios thanked Peterson for his service as Deputy Director," the U.S. Mint said in a statment. "She noted that Peterson will continue to be a part of the team moving forward through the many important issues and initiatives the Mint will tackle this year."

Peterson will assume the position of U.S. Mint Deputy Director for Manufacturing and Quality, the number 2 spot at the agency.

Prior to becoming the Mint’s chief executive, Jeppson served as the Acting Chief Operating Officer of the Small Business Administration and as an Associate Administrator for Veterans Business Development. He also served 24 years in the U.S. Marine Corps and, according to SBA.gov, ran his father’s business.

The deputy director oversees the daily operations of the U.S. Mint which is the world’s largest manufacturer of coins, medals and numismatic products. Manufacturing facilities of the Mint are located in Denver, Philadelphia, San Francisco and West Point (NY), with the headquarters in Washington, D.C. The U.S. Mint is also responsible for the U.S. Bullion Depository at Fort Knox, Kentucky.

Both Jeppson and Peterson are members of the Senior Executive Service (SES), a program established to "ensure that the executive management of the Government of the United States is responsive to the needs, policies, and goals of the Nation and otherwise is of the highest quality." As part of the program, members are encouraged to take a new management position every three years to avoid the pitfalls of complacency.

Traditionally, the U.S. Mint would run under a presidentially appointed director. However, the Mint has not had one since Edmund Moy resigned in January 2011. President Obama nominated Bibiana Boerio, a former Ford Motor Company executive, on Sept. 19, 2012, during the 112th Congress. The Congressional session ended without acting on the appointment and the president has not offered a new nomination.