Kathleen Falk appointed HHS regional director

Falk served as Dane Co. executive for 14 years

MADISON, Wis. — Former Dane County Executive Kathleen Falk was appointed Region V Director of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.

Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius made the announcement Wednesday.

In a press release, Sebelius said, “I am delighted to welcome Kathleen Falk to our team of regional directors at HHS. Kathleen is a devoted public servant, who brings with her extensive experience from her time as county executive of Dane County and assistant attorney general in the Wisconsin Department of Justice.”

The press release said Falk will serve as a key representative of Sebelius in working with federal, state, local and tribal officials on health and social service issues, like the Affordable Care Act’s implementation.

“As we continue to implement the Affordable Care Act, we look forward to adding Kathleen’s many strengths to the HHS team and are excited to have her on the ground working with the Region V community,” said Sebelius.

The HHS Region V office is based in Chicago, Ill., and works with officials in Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Minnesota, Ohio and Wisconsin.

Falk served as Dane County executive for 14 years, as both the longest-serving person as well as the first woman to hold the position. Prior to that, Falk served 14 years as an assistant attorney general in the Wisconsin Department of Justice