Walters, John

[Page 839]John Walters (1952-) was director of the Office of National Drug Control Policy (ONDCP) under President George W. Bush. Walters served from December 7, 2001, until January 20, 2009.

The Director of ONDCP is commonly referred to in the media as the “drug czar.” The term drug czar was reportedly first used by United Press International in a 1982 news story announcing the establishment of this position by the U.S. Senate.

Prior to being director of ONDCP, Walters served in numerous capacities within the federal government. He was assistant to the secretary of the U.S. Department of Education where he was a representative to the National Drug Policy Board and the Domestic Policy Council's Health Policy Working Group, a committee that meets with the president on ...