State Medicaid director Brett Davis has resigned from the Department of Health Services for a job in the private sector.
His last day at DHS will be Friday, March 21, 2014.
The following is a statement DHS Secretary Kitty Rhoades on Davis’ resignation:
“Brett has been a tremendous asset to our team. I am very thankful for his leadership and creativity during challenging budget times. We have been able to accomplish a lot during his time here at the Department, including implementing Governor Walker’s entitlement reforms and working towards the Governor’s goal of reducing the uninsured rate in half. For the first time in Wisconsin’s history, we can say that all people living in poverty will have access to the same Medicaid benefit.
“Under Brett’s strong leadership we have come up with unique, workable solutions—positioning Wisconsin to provide better health outcomes for our low-income residents, while finding efficiencies to protect taxpayer dollars. Brett will serve his new employer very well, just has he has at DHS. While we are sad to see him leave our team, we wish Brett the very best in his endeavors in the private sector.”
Stephanie Smiley, communications director for DHS, said “The Secretary has not appointed an Administrator for the Division of Health Care Access and Accountability, a position which has traditionally also served the role of the State’s Medicaid director. The Department of Health Services will continue to move forward with the important projects and initiatives within Medicaid as well as the other programs in that Division while we work to fill the vacancy.”
Davis was appointed Medicaid Director by then-Health Services Secretary Dennis Smith on Jan. 4, 2011. Prior to his role at DHS, he served as a member of the State Assembly for six years, and was a Republican candidate for lieutenant governor in 2010.
