Governor Gretchen Whitmer is a lifelong Michigander. She is a lawyer, an educator, former prosecutor, State Representative and Senator. She was the first woman to lead a Senate caucus. But the most important title she boasts is MOM. Inspired by her family, she’s devoted her life to building a stronger Michigan for everyone.
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January 10, 2019
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
January 10, 2019
Gov. Whitmer Announces DHHS Director
LANSING – Today Governor Gretchen Whitmer named Robert Gordon Director of the Department of Health and Human Services. Gordon currently serves as Senior Vice President of Finance and Global Strategy for The College Board. Gordon was also appointed by President Obama to serve as acting deputy director at the U.S. Office of 
Management and Budget and served as acting assistant secretary for Planning, Evaluation, and Policy Development at the U.S. Department of Education.
Robert has been described as the quarterback for the Obama Administration’s evidence-based policymaking initiatives, which closely tied program funding to quality evaluation. Earlier in his career, Robert was a law clerk for Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg and a law guardian for children in foster care.
“I have full confidence that Robert will work every day to improve public health and deliver essential human services for Michiganders across the state,” said Whitmer. “He brings a unique set of skills and experiences that will lead the Department of Health and Human Services to drive real results that help hardworking families, and I look forward to working with him and the rest of our department leaders as we build a stronger Michigan for everyone.”
“Robert Gordon is one of the most thoughtful policy professionals I have ever worked with,” said Cecilia Muñoz, native Detroiter and director of the White House Domestic Policy Council under President Obama. “He cares about people, first and foremost, and brings prodigious skills to the task of making a difference in their lives. I couldn't be more thrilled that he will be serving the people of Michigan.”
“It’s such an honor to serve as Director of the Department of Health and Human Services,” said Gordon. “I look forward to working with Governor Whitmer and this administration as we improve public health and quality of life for Michiganders across the state. I’m ready to roll up my sleeves and get to work building a Michigan where everyone has access to the care they need and can make healthy decisions for themselves and their families. Let’s go.”
Gordon will take over for acting director Farah Hanley, deputy director for Financial Operations for the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services.
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