Abele nominates Héctor Colón for health post

County Executive Chris Abele on Wednesday named Héctor Colón, a former top state administrator and non-profit executive, as Milwaukee County director of health and human services.
Colón, currently executive director of the Hispanic Professionals of Greater Milwaukee, was a senior executive in three state agencies and at two non-profit human service organizations.
“Héctor brings a strong human services background, high-level government experience and broad leadership skills that will improve the impact of Milwaukee County’s health and human services,” Abele said. “I look forward to Héctor bringing together non-profit and state resources to better serve Milwaukee County residents.”
Colón, 39, of Milwaukee, served in state government from 2005 through 2011. His positions included director of economic development in the Wisconsin Housing and Economic Development Authority, executive assistant in the Department of Workforce Development and executive assistant/commissioner in the Department of Regulation and Licensing, where he implemented the creation of a new medical board bureau.
“I am honored to be chosen by County Executive Chris Abele to lead a department that secures human services for the most needy in the community,” Colón said. “I’m confident that with Chris Abele’s vision and leadership, we will be able to work collaboratively with our community partners and county supervisors to put in place reforms that will lead to efficient and effective programs.   My personal passion for this mission along with my experience and background, make this an extremely exciting opportunity.”
Prior to working in state government, Colón served as associate executive director of the United Community Center, where he led staff in the oversight of the Adult Day Center, Senior Center, Care Management, and Housing programs and was responsible for budgeting, revenue forecasting, and also assisted with fund development. He also served as assistant director of Wisconsin Correctional Services, where he led staff that provided comprehensive programs for people with mental illness in a community support program and monitored billing procedures to ensure that the organization was maximizing revenue potential.
Geri Lyday, the current interim director, will continue to play a key leadership role with the department, Abele said. She will return to her previous position as the Administrator for the Disabilities Services Division and in addition will serve as the Department’s Policy and Program Administrator, working closely with the county executive, the County Board and the new director.
“Geri has done an admirable job overseeing this department during these challenging times and I look forward to her continued leadership,” Abele said.
The appointment is subject to County Board confirmation.
– BizTimes Milwaukee