WISCONSIN — Gov. Tony Evers announced Monday he has appointed Kirsten Johnson as the secretary of Wisconsin’s Department of Health Services. She will assume the post on Feb. 27.
Before Johnson, the appointment was filled by Karen Timberlake, who departed at the end of last year.
“Kirsten has a storied, 20-plus year career in public health and public service, including her time serving Washington and Ozaukee Counties and the city of Milwaukee during some of our state’s toughest days,” said Evers in a press release. “I have no doubt that her wealth of experience in public health, as well as her commitment to reducing disparities in health so every Wisconsinite can live their best and fullest life, will serve the Department and our state well.”
Evers said Johnson previously served as the health commissioner for Milwaukee, the Washington Ozaukee Public Health Department for more than a decade as director and health officer, and also helped lead a multi-county pandemic response. She also served as a health policy fellow and adviser for U.S. Congressman Ron Kind.
“Over the past 20 years of my career in public health, I have worked to address the challenges and health disparities facing Wisconsin’s rural, urban, and suburban communities alike—disparities that were laid bare by the pandemic,” said Johnson in a press release. “I am excited and honored to join Gov. Evers’ administration to lead DHS, where I look forward to using my expertise and knowledge to continue this important work.”
Johnson earned her master’s degree in public health from Tulane University, and she holds certifications as a public health profession and certified education specialist. Along with her previous roles, she has also served on boards and committees, such as the Medical College of Wisconsin Master of Public Health (MPH) Program Advisory Committee, the National Association of City and County Health Officials, the Wisconsin Association of Local Health Departments and Boards, and the Wisconsin Public Health Association, according to a press release.