7/16/2009
CHARLESTON, W.Va. – Gov. Joe Manchin today announced that West Virginia Department of Health and Human Resources (DHHR) Sec. Martha Walker will become the acting director of the Governor’s Office of Health Enhancement and Lifestyle Planning (GO HELP) effective Sept. 1. Originating from Senate Bill 414, GO HELP will oversee the state’s health care reform initiatives and collaborate with all state agencies to coordinate the delivery of health care in West Virginia.
“Martha has worked tirelessly to improve the lives of West Virginians as DHHR secretary for nearly five years,” Manchin said. “I am so appreciative that Martha has accepted the new acting director’s position. She brings a wealth of knowledge to this commission, and will help bring all of the pieces together so that GO HELP starts out right and on a solid path.”
Walker said she has loved her time spent as secretary of DHHR. “The dedicated employees and the many programs they administer touch the lives of every West Virginian,” Walker said. “I have learned a lot from them. I am ready for a new challenge and this opportunity will allow me to continue the work of coordinating health care reform on a state and federal level. This is going to be very exciting, and I thank the governor for his confidence in me.”
Parkersburg resident Patsy Hardy will replace Walker as DHHR secretary effective Sept. 1. Hardy has more than 24 years of health care management and operations experience, including serving as CEO of St. Joseph’s Hospital in Parkersburg and CEO of Putnam General Hospital in Hurricane. She also was the chief operating officer for St. Francis Hospital in Charleston.
“Patsy is an expert in health care services and business management and I am extremely pleased that she has accepted this position,” the governor said. “She will build upon Martha’s good work and will be a major part of our efforts to continue to move West Virginia forward.”
Hardy said she is excited to serve as the cabinet secretary for Health and Human Resources for West Virginia.
“Health care has been my passion for over 30 years and I look forward to working with the talented team for our future progress in impacting the overall health care status for the state.”
Contact Information
Jama Jarrett or Melvin Smith
304-558-2000