Leadership Change at Michigan Department of Health and Human Services
Elizabeth Hertel, who has guided the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) since 2021, will be stepping down from her role. Her departure is scheduled for June 30, marking the end of her tenure during a pivotal period for the department.
Governor Gretchen Whitmer has appointed Amy Epkey as the interim leader of the MDHHS. Governor Whitmer expressed her confidence in Epkey’s ability to lead, stating, “Amy Epkey brings decades of experience in state government and a proven record of leadership, and I am confident she will continue the important work of the Department of Health and Human Services.” She also acknowledged Hertel’s contributions, noting, “Under her leadership, MDHHS helped Michigan navigate unprecedented challenges, expanded access to health care, strengthened behavioral health services, and improved outcomes for families across our state.”
Before stepping into her new role, Epkey served as the senior deputy director for the Financial Operations Administration at MDHHS, managing the department’s substantial budget of nearly $40 billion.
The transition in leadership comes at a crucial time as state health departments are gearing up to implement new federal Medicaid requirements. These changes include work mandates and more frequent eligibility reassessments for Medicaid participants.
The appointment of a permanent director for the MDHHS will be made by the next Governor.
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