CONTACT: Seth Boffeli, (608) 266-1683

STATEMENT OF DHS SECRETARY SMITH ON THIS SENATE CONFIRMATION

Dennis Smith, Governor Scott Walker’s Appointee to Serve as Secretary Confirmed by Bipartisan Vote of State Senate. Secretary Smith Offered the Following Statement:

MADISON—“I would like to thank Governor Scott Walker for the honor and privilege of joining his Administration as Secretary of the Department of Health Services. I also want to thank Senator Vukmir for her leadership of the Senate Health Committee as well as all of the Committee members; Senators Galloway, Moulton, Erpenbach and Carpenter and all of the Senate leadership members for their courtesy and support. I look forward to a successful working relationship with all members of the state legislature – especially the health care related committees.

“There is no question that these are challenging times but we are ready to meet these challenges head on. I have dedicated my career to public service and I am proud to have the opportunity to serve the people of the great state of Wisconsin.”

Dennis Smith previously served as the head of the U.S. Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services under Secretaries Tommy G. Thompson and Michael Leavitt. Smith has also worked as Medicaid director in the Commonwealth of Virginia and as Chief of Planning for the California Department of Developmental Services.

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Last Revised:  January 25, 2011