Tommy Thompson

Tommy G. Thompson is Secretary of Health and Human Services of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS), an agency dedicated to the health and welfare of all Americans. He is the 19th individual to serve as DHHS Secretary, which employs more than 60,000 personnel and has a fiscal year 2003 budget of nearly $503 billion.

Secretary Thompson has dedicated his professional life to public service, most recently serving as Governor of Wisconsin since 1987. He made state history when he was re-elected to office for a third term in 1994 and a fourth term in 1998. During his 14 years as Governor, Secretary Thompson focused on revitalizing Wisconsin's economy.

He also gained national attention for his leadership on welfare reform, expanded access to health care for low-income people, and education. He began his career in public service in 1966 as a representative in Wisconsin's state Assembly. He was elected assistant Assembly minority leader in 1973 and Assembly minority leader in 1981. He has also served as Chairman of the National Governors' Association, and the Education Commission of the States and the Midwestern Governors' Conference. He received his Bachelor’s degree and law degree from the University of Wisconsin-Madison.

Tommy Thompson was on the WHCoA Policy Committee, is now replaced by Mike Leavitt.