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(Lincoln, NE) Gov. Dave Heineman applauded the confirmation of Nancy Montanez, director of Nebraska’s Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) last week by the U.S. Senate.
Montanez was nominated earlier this summer by President George W. Bush to the post of Under Secretary of Agriculture for Food, Nutrition and Consumer Services for the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). She will also serve on the Board of Directors of the Commodity Credit Corporation. Her last day will be Friday, August 18.
Gov. Heineman said, “Nancy has built a reputation as an open, honest communicator and has been a strong advocate for the adoption of family-centered practices in all that HHS does. She is very capable and has tremendous enthusiasm for her work. I have every confidence that those qualities will serve her well in her new role with USDA, and I wish her all the best.”
Montanez was appointed to her current role in 2004 by then-Gov. Mike Johanns after serving three years as the HHS Western Service Area CEO in Gering where she led in the development, implementation and monitoring of agency programs and policies. From 1999 to 2001, she was a service area administrator for HHS in Lexington. Prior to that, Montanez was based in Kearney where she worked with Region III Behavioral Health Services from 1995 to 1999.
Several reforms were implemented under her leadership, including LB 1083, the state’s plan to modernize the behavioral health services, and a series of changes focused on improving child safety within Nebraska’s child welfare system.
Montanez said, “I’m excited and looking forward to pursuing this new challenge, and want to thank Governor Heineman for his leadership and the opportunities he has provided me. I would be remiss if I didn’t also thank all of the dedicated and caring staff I’ve worked with during my seven years with this agency. They make a difference in the lives of families each and every day and are proof that Nebraska’s strength is in its people.”
She is also responsible for managing the state’s four veterans’ homes, along with all services and programs related to developmental disabilities, aging, families, and economic support throughout Nebraska. During her tenure, the state was recognized for achieving some of the highest accuracy rates in processing applications for the USDA food stamp program. Nebraska had the second lowest negative error rate in the nation in 2004, and was first in the nation for fiscal year 2005.
HHS Policy Secretary Christine Peterson will serve as acting director until a permanent replacement is named, and will continue in her duties as Policy Secretary for the HHS System. She was appointed in 1999 by former Gov. Mike Johanns. At the time of her appointment, she had been serving as a State Senator from Grand Island, representing District 35. She served as the interim director of the Department of Regulation and Licensure last year following the departure of Dr. Richard Raymond.
Peterson said, “Ensuring a smooth transition is key, and I look forward to working more closely with employees in the services arena as we continue moving forward with the major initiatives already underway.”
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