Former Gov. Romney advisor named new Arkansas DHS director

Cindy Gillespie, former health care advisor to then-Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney, has been appointed by Gov. Asa Hutchinson (R) as Arkansas Department of Human Service director.

She replaces John Selig and will begin her job March 1.

In a press release, Hutchinson said, “After a national search and after interviewing a number of top candidates, I am confident that Cindy Gillespie has the breadth of experience, management capabilities and the right ideas to lead Arkansas’s largest agency.  She has nationally recognized expertise in the reform of Medicaid and she has extensive experience in managing complex programs. Most importantly she has the heart and passion that is needed for an agency which is on the frontline of critical services that make a difference in the lives of Arkansans every day.”

In the release, Gillespie said, “I’m honored to have the opportunity to join the impressive team Governor Hutchinson has brought together to serve the people of Arkansas. I am looking forward to working with the highly dedicated and capable employees at the Arkansas Department of Human Services, along with our partners throughout the state, to promote the health and well-being of all Arkansans, especially those most in need.”

Sen. Jim Hendren, R-Sulphur Springs, who is chairing the Health Reform Legislative Task Force considering changes to the state’s Medicaid program, said Gillespie appears to bring the expertise needed for Arkansas.

“As we seek to modernize and reform our state’s $5 billion Medicaid program, bold, capable and competent leadership is a must. From all I’ve seen Cindy Gillespie is a perfect fit for this challenging job,” Hendren said.

Ray Hanley, president and CEO of Arkansas Foundation for Medical Care, said the new DHS director has “a most impressive background and I look forward to meeting her.”

Selig also praised Hutchinson’s choice.

“The Governor has picked a very capable person, with a great deal of experience both in government and with health care. I think she’ll be a real asset to this agency and the state.”

GILLESPIE BACKGROUND
As a senior adviser to Romney, she played a leading role in the development of Massachusetts’ health reforms and executive branch initiatives and led the state’s interactions with the federal government.

She earlier served as a senior executive for the not-for-profit Salt Lake Olympic Committee, which hosted the 2002 Salt Lake City Olympic Winter Games, and was a director of the Atlanta Committee for the Olympic Games, which hosted the 1996 Games. According to the press release, she was recognized for her leadership in developing public-private partnerships in those efforts.

She is a principal in the Washington, D.C., office of Dentons’ Public Policy and Regulation practice and a leader of the firm’s Health Policy and Health Insurance Exchange Teams.

She is a graduate of Trevecca Nazarene College in Nashville and has a master’s degree from Auburn University in Alabama. She is a native of Columbus, Ga.