Who Is Shalanda Young? Meet Neera Tanden's Potential Replacement As OMB Director

Shalanda Young looks increasingly likely to be nominated for director of the Office of Management and Budget. Young was already submitted as President Joe Biden’s deputy budget director and has garnered bipartisan praise.

Young, a Lousiana native, served as an aide on the House Appropriations Committee. As Neera Tanden’s nomination floundered, lawmakers suggested at a Tuesday hearing that Young might wind up getting the top spot.

“You may be more than deputy,” said Sen. John Kennedy, R-La.

Young has already gained an extensive list of backers. She’s received approval from Democratics that include Speaker Nancy Pelosi, Majority Leader Steny Hoyer, and Majority Whip Jim Clyburn, along with the Congressional Black Caucus and Rep. G.K. Butterfield, according to The Hill.

"It is our understanding that Shalanda Young has been thoroughly vetted for the position of Deputy Director and has received excellent reviews from both Democratic and Republican members of the Senate,” CBC Chair Joyce Beatty wrote. “Shalanda Young is uniquely qualified to lead OMB and assume the responsibility for developing the president’s budget and supervising the administration of executive branch agencies.”

The letter of endorsement was also signed by eight other CBC members.

Young has substantial support on the Republican side of the aisle. Sen. Lindsey Graham of South Carolina spoke in favor of her during her hearing for the deputy position.

“You’ll get my support, maybe for both jobs,” he said. “Everybody who deals with you on our side has nothing but good things to say.”

Senate Appropriations Chair Patrick Leahy, D-Vt., recalled Young’s assistance in ending a 35-day government shutdown in 2019.

"Fortunately, Shalanda was with us. We reached a solution," Leahy said. "That's what Shalanda is best at. She knows how to work across the aisle to get a deal done."