MADISON, Wisconsin (WMTV) – The head of the Wisconsin Department of Health Services is heading to Washington later this week to take the number two position with the federal health agency.
Designated DHS secretary Andrea Palm has been appointed to serve as deputy secretary of the Department of Health and Human Services, Governor Tony Evers’ office announced Monday morning. She is due to leave for Washington on Wednesday, the same day that President-elect Joe Biden will take office.
Governor Tony Evers congratulated Palm on his new role in the Biden administration, describing his effort at the head of the Wisconsin health department during the coronavirus pandemic as “extraordinary.”
“I know that she will continue to serve our country in the same way that she does our state – with empathy, kindness and tenacity. I wish her all the best, as she leaves us to take advantage of this new opportunity ”, he continued.
Evers also immediately chose Palm’s DHS replacement, relying on someone with experience in leading the agency during a pandemic.
The governor’s office has announced that Karen Timberlake, who served as DHS secretary under Governor Jim Doyle, will serve as interim secretary. Timberlake was in charge of the department during the 2009 H1N1 pandemic. She is expected to take charge next Monday.
“Karen Timberlake brings a wealth of experience and knowledge in public health, health and health systems that will be essential as we continue to deliver vaccines quickly in our fight against this virus,” said Governor Evers.
In addition to serving as DHS secretary, Timberlake was most recently a partner with Michael Best Strategies, said Governor Evers’ office. She also held the position of director at the University of Wisconsin Institute of Public Health and was an associate professor at the university.
“This pandemic has posed unprecedented challenges for our state, but I look forward to returning to the Department of Health Services and serving with Governor Evers and his government,” said Timberlake.
Timberlake added that his immediate priorities will be to advocate for the state to receive “its fair share of vaccines from the federal government” and distribute them as soon as possible.
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