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(Lincoln, NE) Gov. Dave Heineman today applauded the unanimous confirmation by the U.S. Senate of Dr. Richard Raymond, Nebraska's Chief Medical Officer, to become Undersecretary of Agriculture for Food Safety for the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA).
"This is another example of Nebraska's strength in the areas of agriculture and public health," Gov. Heineman said. "While I am saddened to lose Dr. Raymond, I know the President could have nominated no one better to meet these challenges. Dr. Raymond has been a champion of public health, and I appreciate his many contributions to our state."
In addition to his role as the state's top health official, Dr. Raymond also serves as head of the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Regulation and Licensure. He was appointed Chief Medical Officer in January 1999 by then-Governor Mike Johanns. He served as interim director of HHS Finance and Support in 2000 and as interim director of HHS in 2004.
Dr. Raymond was instrumental in the development of local health districts that serve the state's 93 counties. He also worked closely with Gov. Heineman on Homeland Security issues and was a leader in developing several bioterrorism initiatives that gained national recognition.
Under his leadership, Nebraska's plan to provide smallpox vaccinations for health care response teams was acknowledged as one of the nation's best. Nebraska's Health Alert System, which provides a way to reach health care and public health professionals across the state, received widespread recognition last fall when it was used to locate and distribute the state's limited supply of flu vaccine.
Dr. Raymond said, "This was my first foray into full-time public service and I've loved it. I'm looking forward to applying my experiences to serve on a national level, and I am pleased to have the opportunity to once again work with Secretary Johanns."
Dr. Raymond plans to submit his resignation soon, and a date for his departure will be set at a later date. At the request of Gov. Heineman, the HHS System Policy Cabinet recently began interviewing possible replacements in anticipation of the confirmation.
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