Andrea Palm

Andrea Palm is an American public health administrator and government official who has served in senior roles at both the state and federal levels. A key figure in the Democratic Party, she is known for her expertise in health policy and crisis management, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic. Her career includes significant tenures as the head of the Wisconsin Department of Health Services and as a top advisor within the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.

Early life and education

Andrea Palm was born and raised in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. She pursued her undergraduate education at the University of Wisconsin–Madison, where she earned a Bachelor of Arts degree. She later attended the University of Minnesota, obtaining a Master of Science degree. Her academic background laid a foundation for a career focused on public health policy and administration.

Career

Palm began her professional career in Washington, D.C., holding several staff positions in the United States Congress. She served as a legislative assistant for U.S. Senator Herb Kohl of Wisconsin, where she handled a portfolio including health care and labor policy. Following her time on Capitol Hill, she transitioned to the executive branch, taking on roles at the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services during the administration of President Barack Obama. In these positions, she worked on issues related to the Affordable Care Act and Medicaid policy, developing a reputation as a skilled policy implementer.

U.S. Department of Health and Human Services

Palm first joined the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) under the Obama administration. She served in several capacities, including as a senior advisor focusing on intergovernmental affairs and as Chief of Staff for the Office of the Assistant Secretary for Legislation. In these roles, she acted as a key liaison between the department, the White House, and state governments. In 2021, she returned to HHS under the Biden administration, appointed as Senior Counselor to the Secretary, Xavier Becerra. In this senior role, she has been involved in coordinating the federal response to the COVID-19 pandemic, overseeing major health initiatives, and advising on a wide range of issues from the public health emergency to the implementation of the American Rescue Plan Act.

Wisconsin Department of Health Services

In January 2019, Governor Tony Evers appointed Palm as Secretary-designee of the Wisconsin Department of Health Services (DHS). Her confirmation by the Wisconsin Senate was delayed for over a year amid partisan disputes, but she led the agency in an acting capacity throughout. As Secretary, she oversaw the state's massive Medicaid program, mental health services, and public health initiatives. Her tenure was overwhelmingly defined by leading Wisconsin's response to the COVID-19 pandemic, where she became a prominent public figure issuing stay-at-home orders, coordinating testing and vaccination efforts, and frequently clashing with the Wisconsin Legislature and the Wisconsin Supreme Court over the scope of public health authority.

Awards and recognition

Throughout her career, Palm has received recognition for her public service and leadership. She has been honored by various organizations for her work in public health and health policy. While serving in Wisconsin, she was acknowledged for her steadfast management during the public health crisis, though the pandemic response also drew significant political criticism. Her expertise continues to be sought in discussions on health care reform and emergency preparedness at the national level.

Category:American health officials Category:University of Wisconsin–Madison alumni Category:University of Minnesota alumni Category:Living people