News Release

Statement by Mike Leavitt, Secretary of Health and Human Services, on Designation of Acting Administrator and Appointment of Deputy Administrator of the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services(CMS)

I am pleased to have two outstanding individuals on board to lead CMS at this important time.

Kerry Weems is an excellent choice for Acting CMS Administrator, and I look forward to Senate action on Kerry as the permanent, confirmed Administrator.  Though his nomination is currently pending in the Senate, it is important that we have solid leadership in place now with the authority to head this critical agency.  Kerry has served this Department for nearly a quarter-century, undertaking many challenges in managing large budget and organizations, and showing success at every turn.  Kerry understands the large fiscal challenges facing Medicare and Medicaid and what it will take to strengthen and sustain those programs for the future. 

Herb Kuhn’s expertise and experience have been assets to CMS since 2004 and I appreciate his leadership.  Having served for nearly a year as Acting Deputy Administrator, as part of the CMS management team for more than three years, and in senior roles in the health care field before that, Herb knows the ins and outs of Medicare and Medicaid policy.  His strong skills are invaluable to the future of CMS, a fact that has been particularly evident since the departure of Leslie V. Norwalk in July.

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Last revised: January 12, 2009