Hudsonite Named as Wisconsin Secretary of Health Services

Kitty Rhoades of Hudson has taken over as Secretary of Health Services for the State of Wisconsin.

Rhoades served as a State Assembly rep for a decade before accepting the role of DHS Deputy Secretary in 2011. Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker tapped her to succeed her boss after he received Dennis G. Smith's resignation.

The Office of the Governor issued the following release on Feb. 22:

Kitty Rhoades Appointed Secretary of the Department of Health Services

Madison –Today, Governor Scott Walker received Dennis G. Smith’s resignation letter and appointed Department of Health Services (DHS) Deputy Secretary Kitty Rhoades as Secretary of DHS.

“I would like to thank Dennis for his service to the State of Wisconsin—because of his efforts Medicaid is now on a sustainable path,” said Governor Walker.  “Kitty has the qualities necessary to lead the Department of Health Services and I am confident her long history of active involvement in health care issues will serve Wisconsin very well.”

Prior to being appointed to her current position in January 2011, Rhoades served in the Wisconsin State Assembly from 1999 until her retirement in 2010.  During her legislative service, Deputy Secretary Rhoades served as the co-chair of the Joint Legislative Committee on Finance and served on the Health and the Aging and Long-Term Care standing committees.

“I would like to thank the Governor for this great opportunity to move Wisconsin forward,” Rhoades said. “Wisconsin has been a leader in reforming our health care system, and with the Governor’s innovative proposals, we will continue this tradition.”

Rhoades has received numerous awards from advocacy groups in recognition of her leadership on long-term care issues, including her support for the development of consumer driven programs.

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