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{{Short description|8th U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services}} | ||
| {{Other people|Michael Leavitt}} | {{Other people|Michael Leavitt}} | ||
| {{Infobox officeholder | {{Infobox officeholder | ||
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| |term_end1 = January 26, 2005 | |term_end1 = January 26, 2005 | ||
| |predecessor1 = ] | |predecessor1 = ] | ||
| |successor1 = ] | |successor1 = ] | ||
| |office2 = Chair of the ] | |office2 = Chair of the ] | ||
| |term_start2 = August 10, 1999 | |term_start2 = August 10, 1999 | ||
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| |children = 5 | |children = 5 | ||
| |education = ] (]) | |education = ] (]) | ||
| |module = {{Listen|pos=center|embed=yes|filename=HHS Secretary Mike Leavitt Testifies on FY2007 HHS Appropriations.ogg|title=Mike Leavitt's voice|type=speech|description=Leavitt testifies before a ] on FY2007 ] funding<br/>Recorded May 3, 2006}} | |||
| }} | }} | ||
| '''Michael Okerlund Leavitt''' (born February 11, 1951) is an American politician who served as the ] from 1993 to 2003 in the ] |
'''Michael Okerlund Leavitt''' (born February 11, 1951) is an American ] politician who served as the ] from 1993 to 2003, and in the ] as ] (EPA) from 2003 to 2005 and as ] (HHS) from 2005 to 2009. | ||
| Leavitt started his career in 1972 and worked in the insurance and risk management industry until 1992. From 1984 until 1992, he was the ] and ] (CEO) of ]. | Leavitt started his career in 1972 and worked in the insurance and risk management industry until 1992. From 1984 until his election as Governor of Utah in 1992, he was the ] and ] (CEO) of ]. As governor, Leavitt worked to establish ] and the first charter schools in Utah, led the state's preparation for the ] in Utah, was a leader in the implementation of a modernized system of ] on ] throughout the United States, negotiated the largest land exchanges between a state and the federal government, initiated an engineering education initiative, worked on the devolution of welfare to the states, and established the Utah Centennial Highway Fund which featured design build highway construction.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.barrons.com/articles/SB943659587865653349|title=Tax Freedom for E-Commerce?|accessdate=6 April 2024}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.deseret.com/1999/1/30/19421541/highway-fund-may-need-refueling|title=Highway fund may need refueling|date=30 January 1999 }}</ref> | ||
| Leavitt resigned as governor in 2003 after he was successfully nominated by President ] to lead the ]; he was succeeded as governor by ], his lieutenant governor.<ref name="The New York Times">{{Cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2015/11/30/us/olene-walker-utahs-first-female-governor-dies-at-85.html|title=Olene Walker, Utah's First Female Governor, Dies at 85|date=2015-11-29|work=The New York Times|access-date=2018-06-06|language=en-US|issn=0362-4331}}</ref> Leavitt was promoted to Secretary of Health and Human Services at the start of Bush's second term, serving until the conclusion of the Bush administration. As HHS Secretary, he oversaw the implementation of ], developed the National Pandemic Plan, promoted value-based health care, mitigated the effects of ], opened FDA offices in China, India, South America, and reauthorized SCHIP and TANF.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.newsday.com/opinion/commentary/leavitt-follow-part-d-model-for-medicare-p91655|title=Leavitt: Follow Part D model for Medicare|date=23 May 2011 }}</ref> | |||
| While Governor, Leavitt led the ] from 1994 to 1995, the ] from 1995 to 1996, the ] from 1996 to 1997, and the ] from 1999 to 2000. | |||
| During his tenure as a Governor of Utah, Leavitt founded ], led the state's preparation for the ] in Utah, was a leader in the implementation of a modernized system of ] on ] throughout the United States, negotiated the largest land exchanges between a state and the federal government, initiated an engineering education initiative, worked on the devolution of welfare to the states, established the Utah Centennial Highway Fund which featured design build highway construction, and charter schools in Utah. | |||
| During his tenure as a Secretary of Health and Human Services, he implemented the Part D of ], which is the prescription drug coverage, developed the National Pandemic Plan, promoted value-based health care, mitigated the effects of ], opned FDA offices in China, India, South America, and reauthorized SCHIP and TANF. | |||
| Leavitt now works as a health care advisor, investor, and independent corporate director.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://bipartisanpolicy.org/topics/health |title=Policy Topic: Health | Bipartisan Policy Center |website=Bipartisanpolicy.org |access-date=2017-07-07}}</ref> In August 2021, he became president of ].<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://newsroom.churchofjesuschrist.org/article/former-utah-governor-new-tabernacle-choir-president|title=Former Utah Governor is New Tabernacle Choir President|date=6 August 2021}}</ref> | Leavitt now works as a health care advisor, investor, and independent corporate director.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://bipartisanpolicy.org/topics/health |title=Policy Topic: Health | Bipartisan Policy Center |website=Bipartisanpolicy.org |access-date=2017-07-07}}</ref> In August 2021, he became president of ].<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://newsroom.churchofjesuschrist.org/article/former-utah-governor-new-tabernacle-choir-president|title=Former Utah Governor is New Tabernacle Choir President|date=6 August 2021}}</ref> | ||
| ==Early life and education== | ==Early life and education== | ||
| Leavitt was born in ], the son of Phyllis Anne (Okerlund) and ].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.mission.net/england/leeds/presidents.php?prID=4757 |title=England Leeds Mission Alumni | Presidents |website=Mission.net |access-date=2017-07-07}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.deseretnews.com/article/885404/Obituary-Phyllis-M-Okerlund.html?pg=all |title=Obituary: Phyllis M. Okerlund |date=23 November 2001 |publisher=] |access-date=2017-07-07}}</ref> Leavitt graduated with a degree in ] from ] and married Jacalyn Smith. They have five children.<ref name="auto">{{Cite web|url=https://georgewbush-whitehouse.archives.gov/government/leavitt-bio.html|title=Michael Leavitt, Secretary of Health & Human Services|website=georgewbush-whitehouse.archives.gov}}</ref> | Leavitt was born in ], the son of Phyllis Anne (Okerlund) and ].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.mission.net/england/leeds/presidents.php?prID=4757 |title=England Leeds Mission Alumni | Presidents |website=Mission.net |access-date=2017-07-07}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.deseretnews.com/article/885404/Obituary-Phyllis-M-Okerlund.html?pg=all |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160927011839/http://www.deseretnews.com/article/885404/Obituary-Phyllis-M-Okerlund.html?pg=all |url-status=dead |archive-date=September 27, 2016 |title=Obituary: Phyllis M. Okerlund |date=23 November 2001 |publisher=] |access-date=2017-07-07}}</ref> Leavitt graduated with a degree in ] from ] and married Jacalyn Smith. They have five children.<ref name="auto">{{Cite web|url=https://georgewbush-whitehouse.archives.gov/government/leavitt-bio.html|title=Michael Leavitt, Secretary of Health & Human Services|website=georgewbush-whitehouse.archives.gov}}</ref> | ||
| Leavitt is a member of ] (LDS Church). He is a descendant of an old ] ] family, and a direct descendant of ], a ] pioneer. | Leavitt is a member of ] (LDS Church). He is a descendant of an old ] ] family, and a direct descendant of ], a ] pioneer.{{cn|date=June 2024}} | ||
| ==Career== | ==Career== | ||
| ===Early career=== | ===Early career=== | ||
| Leavitt's business career started with his joining |
Leavitt's business career started with his joining The Leavitt Group, a regional insurance company founded by his father.<ref name="auto1">{{Cite web|url=https://www.suu.edu/leavittcenter/leavittbio.html|title=Michael O. Leavitt Biography|website=SUU}}</ref> He rose to become the company's president and CEO and presided over a period of expansion.<ref name="auto1"/> He was subsequently appointed to the boards of directors of numerous local and regional companies, including Utah Power and Light, as well as a member of the Utah State Board of Regents. As a regent, he helped oversee Utah's nine public colleges and universities. For four years, he was chair of ]'s (SUU) board of trustees.<ref name="Utah History Encyclopedia">{{Citation | last = Haymond | first = Jay M. | title = Utah History Encyclopedia | publisher = University of Utah Press | year = 1994 | chapter = Leavitt, Michael Okerlund | chapter-url = https://www.uen.org/utah_history_encyclopedia/l/LEAVITT_MICHAEL.shtml | url = https://www.uen.org/utah_history_encyclopedia/ | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20240321170035/https://www.uen.org/utah_history_encyclopedia/l/LEAVITT_MICHAEL.shtml | archive-date = March 21, 2024 | isbn =9780874804256 | access-date = June 17, 2024}}</ref> | ||
| In 1976, Leavitt assisted his father, then a Utah state senator, in an unsuccessful campaign for governor. He worked on a number of U.S. Senate campaigns through the 1980s for ] and ].<ref name="Utah History Encyclopedia"/> | In 1976, Leavitt assisted his father, then a Utah state senator, in an unsuccessful campaign for governor. He worked on a number of U.S. Senate campaigns through the 1980s for ] and ].<ref name="Utah History Encyclopedia"/> | ||
| Line 63: | Line 60: | ||
| ===Public service=== | ===Public service=== | ||
| ====Governor of Utah==== | ====Governor of Utah==== | ||
| Leavitt first ran for governor in 1992.<ref name="auto1"/> He had tough competition in the |
Leavitt first ran for governor in 1992.<ref name="auto1"/> He had tough competition in the Republican Party primary from ] who had more delegates vote for him at the state Republican convention. He defeated Independent Party candidate Merrill Cook and Democratic nominee Stewart Hanson in the general election, becoming the 14th Governor of the State of ]. | ||
| A holiday fire shortly before noon on December 15, 1993, destroyed much of the ], but spared the lives of the first family and staff (Jacalyn Leavitt and some members of the family and staff were in the home at the time of the fire). | A holiday fire shortly before noon on December 15, 1993, destroyed much of the ], but spared the lives of the first family and staff (Jacalyn Leavitt and some members of the family and staff were in the home at the time of the fire). | ||
| Line 69: | Line 66: | ||
| Leavitt was re-elected in 1996 with the largest vote total in state history.<ref name="auto1"/> While Governor, he and ] of Colorado were the two key founders of ] in 1997, one of the first exclusively online schools in the nation.<ref name="auto1"/> In addition to Leavitt and Romer, 17 other governors signed legislation creating the school as a ] ].<ref name="auto1"/> | Leavitt was re-elected in 1996 with the largest vote total in state history.<ref name="auto1"/> While Governor, he and ] of Colorado were the two key founders of ] in 1997, one of the first exclusively online schools in the nation.<ref name="auto1"/> In addition to Leavitt and Romer, 17 other governors signed legislation creating the school as a ] ].<ref name="auto1"/> | ||
| In 2000, Leavitt became only the second governor in Utah history to be re-elected to a third term.<ref name="auto1"/> As governor, he held leadership positions in national and regional organizations, |
In 2000, Leavitt became only the second governor in Utah history to be re-elected to a third term.<ref name="auto1"/> As governor, he held leadership positions in national and regional organizations, which included chairing the Republican Governors Association from 1994 to 1995, the Western Governors Association from 1995 to 1996, the Council of State Governments from 1996 to 1997, and the National Governors Association from 1999 to 2000.<ref name="auto1"/> | ||
| ==== EPA Administrator ==== | ==== EPA Administrator ==== | ||
| On August 11, 2003, President |
On August 11, 2003, President George W. Bush nominated Leavitt as Administrator of the EPA at a press conference in ].<ref name="auto2">{{Cite web|url=https://archive.epa.gov/epa/aboutepa/biography-michael-o-leavitt.html|title=Biography of Michael O. Leavitt|first=OA|last=US EPA|website=archive.epa.gov}}</ref> He was confirmed on October 28, 2003, by a vote of 88–8 in the ]. On November 5, having resigned the governorship, Leavitt was sworn in as the 10th Administrator of the EPA.<ref name="auto"/> | ||
| At the EPA he implemented higher standards for ozone, diesel fuels and other air pollutants. He organized and managed a collaboration to develop a federal plan to clean up the ].<ref name="auto1"/> He is also the co-author of an environmental policy called Enlibra.<ref name="auto2"/> | At the EPA he implemented higher standards for ozone, diesel fuels and other air pollutants. He organized and managed a collaboration to develop a federal plan to clean up the ].<ref name="auto1"/> He is also the co-author of an environmental policy called Enlibra.<ref name="auto2"/> | ||
| ==== Secretary of Health and Human Services ==== | ==== Secretary of Health and Human Services ==== | ||
| On December 13, 2004, Leavitt was nominated by Bush to succeed ] as Secretary of |
On December 13, 2004, Leavitt was nominated by Bush to succeed ] as Secretary of HHS, and was confirmed by the Senate by ] on January 26, 2005.<ref name="auto1"/> He was commonly known for his advocating that Medicare was drifting toward financial insolvency.<ref name="auto1"/> | ||
| Secretary Leavitt cited the work of the ]'s Michael McCoy as the most compelling scientific work into the avian flu threat. This encouraged Leavitt to mobilize the nation's pandemic preparedness and led to the reconfiguring of the nation's medical emergency plans.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.aging.senate.gov/imo/media/doc/hr157ml.pdf|title=Preparing for Pandemic Flu|website=senate.gov|access-date=6 April 2024}}</ref> | |||
| Leavitt also served on the ]. In August 2007, Leavitt became the first cabinet-level ]ger in U.S. history.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=15567265|title=Human Services Secretary Takes Blogging Seriously|website=] }}</ref> | Leavitt also served on the ]. In August 2007, Leavitt became the first cabinet-level ]ger in U.S. history.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=15567265|title=Human Services Secretary Takes Blogging Seriously|website=] }}</ref> | ||
| ==== |
====Presidential transitions ==== | ||
| In August 2012, ''Politico'' reported Leavitt to be "creating a ] plan for |
During the ] campaign, Leavitt was Chairman of the Transition Committee for Republican nominee ]. This was the first time a Presidential transition had planned under the Presidential Transition Act of 2010. In August 2012, ''Politico'' reported Leavitt to be "creating a ] plan for Mitt Romney" and "a lock for... ] or ]" in a potential Romney administration if he had won that year's presidential election against incumbent ].<ref>"Who’s on the inside track for a Romney Cabinet" by MIKE ALLEN and JIM VANDEHEI, ''Politico'', August 28, 2012, </ref> | ||
| In 2014 and 2015, Leavitt advised Congress on how to improve the statutes governing presidential transitions. On December 18, 2015, the Edward "Ted" Kaufman and Michael Leavitt Presidential Transitions Improvements Act of 2015 was signed into law by President Barack Obama.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.congress.gov/bill/114th-congress/senate-bill/1172|title=S.1172 - 114th Congress (2015-2016): Edward "Ted" Kaufman and Michael Leavitt Presidential Transitions Improvements Act of 2015 | Congress.gov | Library of Congress|accessdate=6 April 2024}}</ref> | |||
| In the 2016 and 2020 presidential elections, Leavitt was part of a team organized by the Center for Public Service and the Center for Presidential Transition who advised both Republicans and Democrats' presidential campaigns on the development of effective transitions plans.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.sltrib.com/news/politics/2020/11/27/former-utah-governor/|title=A former Utah governor wrote the blueprint for presidential transitions. Here’s how it should work.|website=The Salt Lake Tribune|accessdate=6 April 2024}}</ref> | |||
| ====Electoral reform==== | ====Electoral reform==== | ||
| In 2013, Leavitt partnered with former Utah First Lady ] and businesswoman ] to launch "Count My Vote", a ] effort to push for state ].<ref name=slt>{{cite news |first=Robert |last=Gehrke |title=Norma Matheson, the 'godmother' of the Utah Democratic Party, dies at 89 |url=https://www.sltrib.com/news/politics/2019/07/29/norma-matheson-godmother/ |work=] |date=2019-07-29 |access-date=2020-01-28 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190729164712/https://www.sltrib.com/news/politics/2019/07/29/norma-matheson-godmother/ |archive-date=2019-07-29 |url-status=live}}</ref><ref name=slt2>{{cite news |first=Robert |last=Gehrke |title=Norma Matheson, Leavitt to help lead Count My Vote |url=https://archive.sltrib.com/article.php?id=56866885&itype=CMSID |work=] |date=2013-09-13 |access-date=2020-01-28 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200128140349/https://archive.sltrib.com/article.php?id=56866885&itype=CMSID |archive-date=2020-01-28 |url-status=live}}</ref> Together, they successfully lobbied for a new law allowing |
In 2013, Leavitt partnered with former Utah First Lady ]] and businesswoman ] to launch "Count My Vote", a ] effort to push for state ].<ref name=slt>{{cite news |first=Robert |last=Gehrke |title=Norma Matheson, the 'godmother' of the Utah Democratic Party, dies at 89 |url=https://www.sltrib.com/news/politics/2019/07/29/norma-matheson-godmother/ |work=] |date=2019-07-29 |access-date=2020-01-28 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190729164712/https://www.sltrib.com/news/politics/2019/07/29/norma-matheson-godmother/ |archive-date=2019-07-29 |url-status=live}}</ref><ref name=slt2>{{cite news |first=Robert |last=Gehrke |title=Norma Matheson, Leavitt to help lead Count My Vote |url=https://archive.sltrib.com/article.php?id=56866885&itype=CMSID |work=] |date=2013-09-13 |access-date=2020-01-28 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200128140349/https://archive.sltrib.com/article.php?id=56866885&itype=CMSID |archive-date=2020-01-28 |url-status=live}}</ref> Together, they successfully lobbied for a new law allowing candidates access to the primary election ballot by gathering signatures in Utah.<ref name=slt/> | ||
| ===Leavitt Partners=== | ===Leavitt Partners=== | ||
| Leavitt |
In 2009, Leavitt organized Leavitt Partners, a consulting firm to advise clients in health care policy matters.<ref name=Cato>Cannon, Michael (2011-06-28) , ]</ref> The firm evolved into a leading authority on value-based health care.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://nam.edu/initiatives/vital-directions-for-health-and-health-care/vital-directions-steering-committee-bios/|title=Vital Directions for Health & Health Care}}</ref> | ||
| In April 2021, Leavitt Partners merged with Health Management Associates and Leavitt was appointed Co-Chairman of the combined firm.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.lincolninternational.com/transactions/leavitt-partners-has-merged-with-health-management-associates/|title=Leavitt Partners has merged with Health Management Associates|website=Lincoln International LLC|accessdate=6 April 2024}}</ref> | |||
| In December, 2016, Leavitt was an advisor to then President-elect ]'s transition team.<ref>{{Citation |last=Davis |first=Jessica |date=2016-12-20 |title=Trump advisor Michael Leavitt: ACA will be repealed in first 100 days, replaced with bipartisan support |publisher=Healthcare IT News |url=https://www.healthcareitnews.com/news/trump-advisor-michael-leavitt-aca-will-be-repealed-first-100-days-replaced-bipartisan-support |access-date=2021-08-14}}</ref><ref>{{Citation |last=Masselli |first=Mark |date=2016-12-20 |title=Trump Transition Adviser Michael Leavitt Addresses Future of Affordable Care Act |publisher=Community Health Center, Inc. |url=https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/trump-transition-adviser-michael-leavitt-addresses-future-masselli/ |access-date=2021-08-14}}</ref> | |||
| ===Tabernacle Choir president=== | ===Tabernacle Choir president=== | ||
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| ===Philanthropy=== | ===Philanthropy=== | ||
| Leavitt's family ], the Dixie and Anne Leavitt Foundation, was established by the Leavitt family in 2000, and the family has donated nearly $9 million of assets to it since. |
Leavitt's family ], the Dixie and Anne Leavitt Foundation, was established by the Leavitt family in 2000, and the family has donated nearly $9 million of assets to it since.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Pear |first=Robert |date=2006-07-22 |title=Health Secretary Is Questioned on Use of Family Foundation |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2006/07/22/washington/health-secretary-is-questioned-on-use-of-family-foundation.html |access-date=2023-08-28 |issn=0362-4331}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Weisman |first=Jonathan |date=2006-07-21 |title=Leavitt's fund donations low, records show |url=https://archive.sltrib.com/article.php?id=&itype=NGPSID |access-date=2023-08-28 |website=The Salt Lake Tribune |language=en-US}}</ref> | ||
| The same NPR report revealed that nearly $500,000 in ] provided to the Southern Utah Foundation were used for housing scholarships to SUU.<ref name="autogenerated2"/> The scholarships were subsequently used to place students in the Cedar Development Co., a Leavitt family business, with the money used to pay the students' rent. NPR's investigation found that the arrangement was legal and that the Leavitts did not profit from the arrangement. Although legal, the procedure, called "round-tripping" in philanthropic circles, has garnered criticism as lacking in the spirit of philanthropy.<ref name="autogenerated2"/> The report also stated that Leavitt was not directly involved in the foundation's operations.<ref name="autogenerated2"/> | |||
| ==Electoral history== | ==Electoral history== | ||
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| {{s-bef|before=]}} | {{s-bef|before=]}} | ||
| {{s-ttl|title=]|years=2003–2005}} | {{s-ttl|title=]|years=2003–2005}} | ||
| {{s-aft|after=]}} | {{s-aft|after=]}} | ||
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| {{s-bef|before=]}} | {{s-bef|before=]}} | ||
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| {{DEFAULTSORT:Leavitt, Mike}} | {{DEFAULTSORT:Leavitt, Mike}} | ||
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Latest revision as of 01:16, 22 December 2024
8th U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services For other people named Michael Leavitt, see Michael Leavitt (disambiguation).| Mike Leavitt | |
|---|---|
 | |
| 20th United States Secretary of Health and Human Services | |
| In office January 26, 2005 – January 20, 2009 | |
| President | George W. Bush |
| Preceded by | Tommy Thompson |
| Succeeded by | Kathleen Sebelius |
| 10th Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency | |
| In office November 6, 2003 – January 26, 2005 | |
| President | George W. Bush |
| Preceded by | Christine Todd Whitman |
| Succeeded by | Stephen L. Johnson |
| Chair of the National Governors Association | |
| In office August 10, 1999 – July 11, 2000 | |
| Preceded by | Tom Carper |
| Succeeded by | Parris Glendening |
| 14th Governor of Utah | |
| In office January 4, 1993 – November 5, 2003 | |
| Lieutenant | Olene Walker |
| Preceded by | Norman Bangerter |
| Succeeded by | Olene Walker |
| Personal details | |
| Born | Michael Okerlund Leavitt (1951-02-11) February 11, 1951 (age 73) Cedar City, Utah, U.S. |
| Political party | Republican |
| Spouse | Jacalyn Smith |
| Children | 5 |
| Education | Southern Utah University (BA) |
|
Mike Leavitt's voice
Leavitt testifies before a Senate Appropriations subcommittee on FY2007 HHS funding Recorded May 3, 2006 | |
Michael Okerlund Leavitt (born February 11, 1951) is an American Republican Party politician who served as the 14th governor of Utah from 1993 to 2003, and in the George W. Bush administration as Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) from 2003 to 2005 and as Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) from 2005 to 2009.
Leavitt started his career in 1972 and worked in the insurance and risk management industry until 1992. From 1984 until his election as Governor of Utah in 1992, he was the president and chief executive officer (CEO) of The Leavitt Group. As governor, Leavitt worked to establish Western Governors University and the first charter schools in Utah, led the state's preparation for the 2002 Winter Olympics in Utah, was a leader in the implementation of a modernized system of sales tax on e-commerce throughout the United States, negotiated the largest land exchanges between a state and the federal government, initiated an engineering education initiative, worked on the devolution of welfare to the states, and established the Utah Centennial Highway Fund which featured design build highway construction.
Leavitt resigned as governor in 2003 after he was successfully nominated by President George W. Bush to lead the EPA; he was succeeded as governor by Olene Walker, his lieutenant governor. Leavitt was promoted to Secretary of Health and Human Services at the start of Bush's second term, serving until the conclusion of the Bush administration. As HHS Secretary, he oversaw the implementation of Medicare Part D, developed the National Pandemic Plan, promoted value-based health care, mitigated the effects of Hurricane Katrina, opened FDA offices in China, India, South America, and reauthorized SCHIP and TANF.
Leavitt now works as a health care advisor, investor, and independent corporate director. In August 2021, he became president of The Tabernacle Choir at Temple Square.
Early life and education
Leavitt was born in Cedar City, Utah, the son of Phyllis Anne (Okerlund) and Dixie L. Leavitt. Leavitt graduated with a degree in business from Southern Utah University and married Jacalyn Smith. They have five children.
Leavitt is a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS Church). He is a descendant of an old Massachusetts Puritan family, and a direct descendant of Dudley Leavitt, a Mormon pioneer.
Career
Early career
Leavitt's business career started with his joining The Leavitt Group, a regional insurance company founded by his father. He rose to become the company's president and CEO and presided over a period of expansion. He was subsequently appointed to the boards of directors of numerous local and regional companies, including Utah Power and Light, as well as a member of the Utah State Board of Regents. As a regent, he helped oversee Utah's nine public colleges and universities. For four years, he was chair of Southern Utah University's (SUU) board of trustees.
In 1976, Leavitt assisted his father, then a Utah state senator, in an unsuccessful campaign for governor. He worked on a number of U.S. Senate campaigns through the 1980s for Jake Garn and Orrin Hatch.
Public service
Governor of Utah
Leavitt first ran for governor in 1992. He had tough competition in the Republican Party primary from Richard Eyre who had more delegates vote for him at the state Republican convention. He defeated Independent Party candidate Merrill Cook and Democratic nominee Stewart Hanson in the general election, becoming the 14th Governor of the State of Utah.
A holiday fire shortly before noon on December 15, 1993, destroyed much of the Utah Governor's Mansion, but spared the lives of the first family and staff (Jacalyn Leavitt and some members of the family and staff were in the home at the time of the fire).
Leavitt was re-elected in 1996 with the largest vote total in state history. While Governor, he and Roy Romer of Colorado were the two key founders of Western Governors University in 1997, one of the first exclusively online schools in the nation. In addition to Leavitt and Romer, 17 other governors signed legislation creating the school as a non-profit private university.
In 2000, Leavitt became only the second governor in Utah history to be re-elected to a third term. As governor, he held leadership positions in national and regional organizations, which included chairing the Republican Governors Association from 1994 to 1995, the Western Governors Association from 1995 to 1996, the Council of State Governments from 1996 to 1997, and the National Governors Association from 1999 to 2000.
EPA Administrator
On August 11, 2003, President George W. Bush nominated Leavitt as Administrator of the EPA at a press conference in Aurora, Colorado. He was confirmed on October 28, 2003, by a vote of 88–8 in the United States Senate. On November 5, having resigned the governorship, Leavitt was sworn in as the 10th Administrator of the EPA.
At the EPA he implemented higher standards for ozone, diesel fuels and other air pollutants. He organized and managed a collaboration to develop a federal plan to clean up the Great Lakes. He is also the co-author of an environmental policy called Enlibra.
Secretary of Health and Human Services
On December 13, 2004, Leavitt was nominated by Bush to succeed Tommy Thompson as Secretary of HHS, and was confirmed by the Senate by voice vote on January 26, 2005. He was commonly known for his advocating that Medicare was drifting toward financial insolvency.
Secretary Leavitt cited the work of the World Health Organization's Michael McCoy as the most compelling scientific work into the avian flu threat. This encouraged Leavitt to mobilize the nation's pandemic preparedness and led to the reconfiguring of the nation's medical emergency plans.
Leavitt also served on the Homeland Security Advisory Council. In August 2007, Leavitt became the first cabinet-level blogger in U.S. history.
Presidential transitions
During the 2012 presidential campaign, Leavitt was Chairman of the Transition Committee for Republican nominee Mitt Romney. This was the first time a Presidential transition had planned under the Presidential Transition Act of 2010. In August 2012, Politico reported Leavitt to be "creating a government-in-waiting plan for Mitt Romney" and "a lock for... White House chief of staff or Treasury secretary" in a potential Romney administration if he had won that year's presidential election against incumbent Barack Obama.
In 2014 and 2015, Leavitt advised Congress on how to improve the statutes governing presidential transitions. On December 18, 2015, the Edward "Ted" Kaufman and Michael Leavitt Presidential Transitions Improvements Act of 2015 was signed into law by President Barack Obama.
In the 2016 and 2020 presidential elections, Leavitt was part of a team organized by the Center for Public Service and the Center for Presidential Transition who advised both Republicans and Democrats' presidential campaigns on the development of effective transitions plans.
Electoral reform
In 2013, Leavitt partnered with former Utah First Lady Norma Matheson] and businesswoman Gail Miller to launch "Count My Vote", a bipartisan effort to push for state electoral reform. Together, they successfully lobbied for a new law allowing candidates access to the primary election ballot by gathering signatures in Utah.
Leavitt Partners
In 2009, Leavitt organized Leavitt Partners, a consulting firm to advise clients in health care policy matters. The firm evolved into a leading authority on value-based health care.
In April 2021, Leavitt Partners merged with Health Management Associates and Leavitt was appointed Co-Chairman of the combined firm.
Tabernacle Choir president
On August 6, 2021, Gérald Caussé, the LDS Church's presiding bishop, announced that Tabernacle Choir at Temple Square president Ron Jarrett was stepping down after nine years of service and that Leavitt would replace him in that role.
Philanthropy
Leavitt's family charitable foundation, the Dixie and Anne Leavitt Foundation, was established by the Leavitt family in 2000, and the family has donated nearly $9 million of assets to it since.
Electoral history
- 1992 Race for Governor
- Michael Leavitt (R), 42%
- Merrill Cook (I), 34%
- Stewart Hanson (D), 23%
- 1996 Race for Governor
- Michael Leavitt (R) (inc.), 75%
- Jim Bradley (D), 23%
- 2000 Race for Governor
- Michael Leavitt (R) (inc.), 56%
- Bill Orton (D), 42%
References
- "Tax Freedom for E-Commerce?". Retrieved 6 April 2024.
- "Highway fund may need refueling". 30 January 1999.
- "Olene Walker, Utah's First Female Governor, Dies at 85". The New York Times. 2015-11-29. ISSN 0362-4331. Retrieved 2018-06-06.
- "Leavitt: Follow Part D model for Medicare". 23 May 2011.
- "Policy Topic: Health | Bipartisan Policy Center". Bipartisanpolicy.org. Retrieved 2017-07-07.
- "Former Utah Governor is New Tabernacle Choir President". 6 August 2021.
- "England Leeds Mission Alumni | Presidents". Mission.net. Retrieved 2017-07-07.
- "Obituary: Phyllis M. Okerlund". Deseret News. 23 November 2001. Archived from the original on September 27, 2016. Retrieved 2017-07-07.
- ^ "Michael Leavitt, Secretary of Health & Human Services". georgewbush-whitehouse.archives.gov.
- ^ "Michael O. Leavitt Biography". SUU.
- ^ Haymond, Jay M. (1994), "Leavitt, Michael Okerlund", Utah History Encyclopedia, University of Utah Press, ISBN 9780874804256, archived from the original on March 21, 2024, retrieved June 17, 2024
- ^ US EPA, OA. "Biography of Michael O. Leavitt". archive.epa.gov.
- "Preparing for Pandemic Flu" (PDF). senate.gov. Retrieved 6 April 2024.
- "Human Services Secretary Takes Blogging Seriously". NPR.
- "Who’s on the inside track for a Romney Cabinet" by MIKE ALLEN and JIM VANDEHEI, Politico, August 28, 2012, Retrieved 2012-08-28
- "S.1172 - 114th Congress (2015-2016): Edward "Ted" Kaufman and Michael Leavitt Presidential Transitions Improvements Act of 2015 | Congress.gov | Library of Congress". Retrieved 6 April 2024.
- "A former Utah governor wrote the blueprint for presidential transitions. Here's how it should work". The Salt Lake Tribune. Retrieved 6 April 2024.
- ^ Gehrke, Robert (2019-07-29). "Norma Matheson, the 'godmother' of the Utah Democratic Party, dies at 89". Salt Lake Tribune. Archived from the original on 2019-07-29. Retrieved 2020-01-28.
- Gehrke, Robert (2013-09-13). "Norma Matheson, Leavitt to help lead Count My Vote". Salt Lake Tribune. Archived from the original on 2020-01-28. Retrieved 2020-01-28.
- Cannon, Michael (2011-06-28) Republicans Getting Rich off ObamaCare, Cato Institute
- "Vital Directions for Health & Health Care".
- "Leavitt Partners has merged with Health Management Associates". Lincoln International LLC. Retrieved 6 April 2024.
- "5 'meaningful experiences' from the outgoing Tabernacle Choir president". 6 August 2021.
- "Former Utah Gov. Mike Leavitt named president of Tabernacle Choir". 6 August 2021.
- Pear, Robert (2006-07-22). "Health Secretary Is Questioned on Use of Family Foundation". The New York Times. ISSN 0362-4331. Retrieved 2023-08-28.
- Weisman, Jonathan (2006-07-21). "Leavitt's fund donations low, records show". The Salt Lake Tribune. Retrieved 2023-08-28.
External links
Media related to Michael O. Leavitt at Wikimedia Commons
- Official Website
- Appearances on C-SPAN
- NPR Story about Leavitt's blog
- Former Utah Governor Michael O. Leavitt Keynote Patient Flow Summit
- Leavitt Partners
| Party political offices | ||
|---|---|---|
| Preceded byNorm Bangerter | Republican nominee for Governor of Utah 1992, 1996, 2000 |
Succeeded byJon Huntsman |
| Preceded byJock McKernan | Chair of the Republican Governors Association 1994–1995 |
Succeeded byJohn Engler |
| Political offices | ||
| Preceded byNorm Bangerter | Governor of Utah 1993–2003 |
Succeeded byOlene Walker |
| Preceded byTom Carper | Chair of the National Governors Association 1999–2000 |
Succeeded byParris Glendening |
| Preceded byChristine Whitman | Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency 2003–2005 |
Succeeded byStephen Johnson |
| Preceded byTommy Thompson | United States Secretary of Health and Human Services 2005–2009 |
Succeeded byKathleen Sebelius |
| U.S. order of precedence (ceremonial) | ||
| Preceded byMike Johannsas Former US Cabinet Member | Order of precedence of the United States as Former US Cabinet Member |
Succeeded byJim Nicholsonas Former US Cabinet Member |
| Governors of Utah | ||
|---|---|---|
| Territorial (1850–1896) |  | |
| State (since 1896) | ||
| Administrators of the Environmental Protection Agency | ||
|---|---|---|
 | ||
| United States secretaries of health and human services | ||
|---|---|---|
| Secretaries of health, education, and welfare |   | |
| Secretaries of health and human services | ||
- 1951 births
- 21st-century Utah politicians
- Administrators of the United States Environmental Protection Agency
- American bloggers
- George W. Bush administration cabinet members
- Republican Party governors of Utah
- Latter Day Saints from Utah
- Leavitt family
- Living people
- Southern Utah University alumni
- Western Governors University people
- 2000 United States presidential electors
- United States secretaries of health and human services
- 21st-century United States government officials