News Release

HHS Secretary Names New Regional Representative

HHS Secretary Mike Leavitt today announced the appointment of Chris Downing as the Secretary's regional director for Region IV. Downing will be the Secretary's direct representative responsible for guidance and coordination of HHS policies in the region, which, based in Atlanta, includes Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina and Tennessee.

"Chris' outstanding track record of service will provide a solid foundation on which to build strong relationships throughout Region IV," Secretary Leavitt said. "His commitment to enhancing the well-being of all Americans, along with his experience with federal and state government agencies, will strengthen health and human services throughout the Southeast."

Prior to his appointment, Downing served as the director of the Office of Public Affairs at HHS' Administration for Children and Families (ACF). In that capacity, Downing coordinated all public affairs activities for ACF headquarters and the 10 regional offices led by Assistant Secretary for Children and Families, Wade F. Horn, Ph.D. Prior to ACF, Downing served as special assistant to the Assistant Secretary for Planning and Evaluation, the office at HHS responsible for advising the Secretary on policy development.

From 1999 through 2002, Downing served as the assistant director for the Genesee Transportation Council, the metropolitan planning organization serving much of Western New York, where he was responsible for public outreach, media relations and policy development. From 1998 through 1999, Downing served as press secretary to U.S. Representative Jim McCrery (R-La.). From 1996 through 1998, he served as press secretary to U.S. Representative Bill Paxon (R-N.Y.). From 1995 through 1996, he served as a Legislative Aide to U.S. Representative Gil Gutknecht (R-Minn.).