Tommy G. Thompson

Tommy G. Thompson, the former Health and Human Services (HHS) secretary and four-term governor of Wisconsin, is independent chairman of the Deloitte Center for Health Solutions and a partner at the law firm of Akin Gump Strauss Hauer & Feld.

At the Deloitte Center and Akin Gump, Secretary Thompson is building on his efforts as HHS secretary and as governor to develop innovative solutions to the health care challenges facing American families, businesses, communities, states and the nation as a whole. These efforts focus on improving the use of information technology in hospitals, clinics and doctors offices; promoting healthier lifestyles; strengthening and modernizing Medicare and Medicaid; and expanding the use of medical diplomacy around the world.

Secretary Thompson served as HHS secretary from 2001 to 2005 and is one of the nation's leading advocates for the health and welfare of all Americans. Secretary Thompson is the 19th individual to serve as secretary of the department, which employs more than 60,000 personnel and had a fiscal year 2005 budget of $584 billion.

Secretary Thompson has dedicated his professional life to public service and served as governor of Wisconsin from 1987 to 2001. Secretary Thompson made state history when he was reelected to office for a third term in 1994 and a fourth term in 1998.

Secretary Thompson began his career in public service in 1966 as a representative in the Wisconsin Assembly. Secretary Thompson was elected assistant Assembly minority leader in 1973 and Assembly minority leader in 1981. Secretary Thompson has received numerous awards for his public service, including the Anti-Defamation League's Distinguished Public Service Award. In 1997, the Secretary received Governing Magazine's Public Official of the Year Award and the Horatio Alger Award in 1998. Secretary Thompson has also served as chairman of the National Governors Association, the Education Commission of the States and the Midwestern Governors' Conference. Secretary Thompson also served in the Wisconsin National Guard and the U.S. Army Reserve.