OSHA Names Prentice Cline Deputy Assistant Secretary

Washington — Prentice Cline is the new deputy assistant secretary at OSHA, the agency’s updated organizational chart shows, according to Safety+Health Magazine. Cline previously served as acting deputy director of OSHA’s Directorate of Enforcement Programs. In his new role, Cline supervises OSHA’s regional administrators.

Position Vacancy and Prior Leadership

The agency’s “career” deputy assistant secretary role had been vacant since Scott Ketcham retired in May 2025. Amanda Wood Laihow was previously OSHA’s sole deputy assistant secretary, beginning in February 2025, according to Safety+Health Magazine. She later was elevated to principal deputy assistant secretary.

Laihow’s Current Responsibilities

Laihow supervises OSHA’s seven directorates, its office of communications and its controlled correspondence.

Recent Activity by Cline

Earlier this month, Cline attended the 2026 NSC Safety Congress & Expo, where he presented preliminary data for OSHA’s “Top 10” list of most frequently cited standards for fiscal year 2026, according to Safety+Health Magazine.