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(Lincoln, NE) Gov. Dave Heineman today announced the appointment of Christine Z. Peterson of Grand Island to serve as the first Chief Executive Officer of the Nebraska Health and Human Services System (HHSS). The Governor also announced that Chief Medical Officer (CMO) Dr. Joann Schaefer will stay on in her dual role as CMO and director of HHSS Department of Regulation and Licensure.
The appointment of a CEO is part of the Governor’s plan to restructure HHSS, which will be among his legislative priorities in the upcoming session. The appointment of a chief administrator for HHSS was authorized by LB 994, which passed during the 2006 session.
“Chris has tremendous leadership experience, both within this agency and as a former State Senator, and I have great confidence in her ability to help reshape this organization and position it for the future,” Gov. Heineman said. “As CEO, Chris will ensure proper communication and coordination among the various departments of the Health and Human Services System, and serve as the lead representative of the agency if we are successful in our restructuring efforts.”
Peterson joined HHSS in 1999 when she was appointed by then-Gov. Mike Johanns to serve as Policy Secretary. At the time, she was serving as a State Senator from Grand Island, representing District 35.
In her role as Policy Secretary, Peterson is responsible for coordinating initiatives that involve the HHSS agencies, in addition to coordinating budget, research and data collection activities, and managing all activities relating to the actions of the Legislature. The Policy Secretary also serves as a member of the HHSS Cabinet, along with directors of the three agencies making up HHSS. During her tenure, she has also served as interim director of the HHSS Department of Regulation and Licensure and is the current acting director of the HHSS Department of Services.
Earlier this year, Gov. Heineman announced his plan to restructure HHSS into one agency and prioritizing its core missions by creating six departments headed by a single CEO with the hope of helping Nebraskans better understand the agency and how to access services, as well as creating greater transparency and accountability.
The six departments created by Governor’s proposal would include the Department of Veterans Homes, Department of Developmental Disabilities, Department of Medicaid, Department of Behavioral Health, Department of Public Health, and a new, child-focused Department of Children and Family Services.
Part of Peterson’s responsibilities will include fostering the dialogue between Senators, HHSS officials and the Governor that is needed to implement reforms. She will also lead efforts to create improved services and develop opportunities for better efficiency within the agency.
“Chris is well-versed in policy, service delivery and our legislative process,” Gov. Heineman said. “I believe that she has the skills necessary to work with fellow directors, both within HHSS and throughout state government, to ensure that the improvements we are seeking are achieved. Her experience will be a tremendous asset in helping move this agency forward.”
Peterson is a graduate of the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, with a bachelor’s degree in education. She was a teacher in the Grand Island Public School System, and served as the executive director of Hall County Leadership Tomorrow. She serves on Nebraska’s Homeland Security Policy Group, the Rural Development Commission, the state’s P-16 Steering Committee, and the Community Corrections Council.
In addition to regulating medical and health-related professions, the HHSS Department of Regulation and Licensure oversees much of the state’s disease prevention and health promotion efforts. In the restructuring proposal put forward by the Governor, Dr. Schaefer would continue in her duties as CMO and serve as the director of the new Department of Public Health.
Dr. Schaefer plays a prominent role in Nebraska’s homeland security efforts by helping coordinate the state’s bioterrorism and pandemic flu preparedness efforts. She served as Deputy CMO from 2002 to 2005, chairing the Child Death Review Team, working to develop an accountability plan for the state’s Child Protective Services unit, and helping develop Nebraska’s smallpox vaccination plan, which received national recognition for its effectiveness. Since becoming CMO she has been very active in improving the coordination among local public health departments and advocating healthier lifestyles for all Nebraskans.
Prior to her appointment last year as CMO, Dr. Schaefer maintained a private practice and worked as an associate professor in the Department of Family Medicine at the Creighton University School of Medicine in Omaha. Board-certified in family practice, she was honored by the Nebraska Medical Association as Physician of the Year in 2004.
“One of the reasons our state has received such positive reviews from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is because of the work led by Dr. Schaefer and her team in making sure that we do our best to prepare for the worst,” Gov. Heineman said. “She is an integral part of our public health outreach efforts, and has created a new level of enthusiasm for coordination and integration throughout the medical profession in our state. I am so thankful for her commitment and look forward to continuing to work with her for many years to come.”
Peterson’s salary will be $120,000. Dr. Schaefer’s salary will remain at $130,921.
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