Louisiana Governor Blanco Congratulates DHH Secretary Dr. Fred Cerise on his Move to LSU

Names Dr. Roxane Townsend as his replacement

Aug 27, 2007 -- BATON ROUGE - Louisiana Governor Kathleen Babineaux Blanco today named Dr. Roxane Townsend as secretary of the Louisiana Department of Health and Hospitals. The appointment comes as the current secretary, Dr. Fred Cerise, accepts a position as Louisiana State University System Vice President for Health Affairs and Medical Education.

"I thank Dr. Cerise for his years of outstanding service to the people of Louisiana," Governor Blanco said. "He brought technique, knowledge and heart the Department of Health and Hospitals, and his decisions always put people over numbers as he had a caring physician's perspective overlaid on policies he directed. His leadership after Katrina to restore vital health care services to the region, his vision to transform and improve Louisiana's health care delivery system and his dedication to excellence have guided our public health system. I certainly commend him to the LSU system, where he will guide and shape public health policy into future years."

"Dr. Cerise brings a wealth of health care expertise to his new position at LSU," said Dr. William L. Jenkins, LSU System President. "As an educator, administrator at one of Louisiana's major public hospitals, and as Secretary of Health and Hospitals, he demonstrated a passion for public health care. He understands the issues, the finances, and the compelling human dynamics of caring for people. More importantly, he is devoted to LSU's critical twin missions of educating future health care professionals while caring for the uninsured and underinsured."

Dr. Roxane Townsend is currently deputy secretary for DHH, overseeing all program offices including the Office of Mental Health, Office of Public Health, Office of Citizens with Developmental Disabilities, Office for Addictive Disorders and the Office of Aging and Adult Services. Townsend previously served as the agency's medical director for the Medicaid program. Prior to joining DHH, she served as both the Chief Operating Officer and interim Chief Executive Officer at Earl K. Long Medical Center in Baton Rouge.

Gov. Blanco said Dr. Townsend brings the leadership and experience to continue the health care reforms started by Dr. Cerise, as well as the expertise to continue efforts to assist in the recovery of health care services devastated by the 2005 hurricanes.

"When Hurricane Katrina first threatened New Orleans, Dr. Townsend was one of the first doctors and state officials to arrive at the Superdome to care for our citizens. She brings with her not only leadership skills and experience, but a strong sense of compassion and integrity as well. I am pleased she has agreed to accept this responsibility, and I know the health of our citizens remains under strong direction."

The Governor also noted Dr. Townsend's efforts to improve health care through the use of technology. "As we work to improve health care, incorporating cutting-edge technology is critical to success. Dr. Townsend has been the key leader in the work to put information technology to work. This will one day soon link doctors' offices to clinics and hospitals. Her vision for a health care system fully integrated with information technology is rapidly becoming a reality."

Both Dr. Townsend's appointment and Dr. Cerise's new position are effective September 15.

Source: Louisiana Governor

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