Wisconsin's top health official departing for federal job

MADISON, Wis. (AP) — Wisconsin’s top health official who has led the state throughout the coronavirus pandemic is leaving for a job with the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services under incoming President Joe Biden.

Andrea Palm, secretary-designee of the Wisconsin Department of Health Services, has been nominated as deputy secretary of the federal agency.

Palm will work to fulfill Biden's pledge to expand access to COVID-19 vaccines and speed up the rate of vaccinations.

“Andrea Palm is a public servant through and through — she’s been a critical part of our administration and a consummate professional who has done an extraordinary job helping lead our state during an unprecedented public health crisis,” Gov. Tony Evers said in a statement. “I know she will continue to serve our country just as she has our state — with empathy, kindness, and tenacity.”

Palm's last day at the Wisconsin agency is Wednesday. Her new job was first reported by The Washington Post.

Evers said Karen Timberlake, who served as DHS secretary under former Gov. Jim Doyle during the 2009 swine flu pandemic, will serve as interim secretary.