MacIver News Service|February 22, 2013

[Madison, Wisc…] Department of Health Services Secretary Dennis Smith resigned on Friday. Governor Walker put out a press release shortly after appointing Deputy Secretary Kitty Rhoades to the position. Walker’s statement can be seen below.

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Madison -Today, Governor Scott Walker received Dennis G. Smith’s resignation letter and appointed Department of Health Services (DHS) Deputy Secretary Kitty Rhoades as Secretary of DHS.

“I would like to thank Dennis for his service to the State of Wisconsin–because of his efforts Medicaid is now on a sustainable path,” said Governor Walker. “Kitty has the qualities necessary to lead the Department of Health Services and I am confident her long history of active involvement in health care issues will serve Wisconsin very well.”

Prior to being appointed to her current position in January 2011, Rhoades served in the Wisconsin State Assembly from 1999 until her retirement in 2010. During her legislative service, Deputy Secretary Rhoades served as the co-chair of the Joint Legislative Committee on Finance and served on the Health and the Aging and Long-Term Care standing committees.

“I would like to thank the Governor for this great opportunity to move Wisconsin forward,” Rhoades said. “Wisconsin has been a leader in reforming our health care system, and with the Governor’s innovative proposals, we will continue this tradition.”

Rhoades has received numerous awards from advocacy groups in recognition of her leadership on long-term care issues, including her support for the development of consumer driven programs.