Gov. Ricketts Appoints Chief Medical Officer

LINCOLN – Today, Governor Pete Ricketts and Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) CEO Courtney Phillips announced the appointment of Thomas L. Williams, M.D. as the next Chief Medical Officer and Director of the Division of Public Health for the State of Nebraska.

“Courtney and I are excited to welcome Dr. Williams to the team,” said Governor Ricketts.  “Williams stood out during an extensive search for the next Chief Medical Officer because of his wide-ranging experience and heart for public service.  His background will support the efforts of the team at Health and Human Services as they continue to transform the department into a more customer-focused agency.”

Williams, of Omaha, currently serves as Laboratory Medical Director and Chair of the Department of Pathology for Methodist Hospital.  He also teaches as a Clinical Assistant Professor of Pathology at the University of Nebraska College of Medicine.  He has served as consulting pathologist and laboratory director for several hospital laboratories across Greater Nebraska and medical clinics in Omaha.

Williams holds a Bachelor of Science in Chemistry from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln and an M.D. from the University of Nebraska College of Medicine.  He is licensed to practice medicine in Nebraska and Iowa, and has been certified in Anatomic and Clinical Pathology as well as Special Competence in Chemical Pathology by the American Board of Pathology.  He is widely published and has earned numerous awards from national associations including the Lifetime Achievement Award from the College of American Pathologists.

"Public health touches the life of every Nebraskan, from preventive and community health programs to the licensing and regulation of health-related professionals and facilities,” said DHHS CEO Phillips.  "I look forward to working with Dr. Williams.  His insight and expertise will be a valuable asset to the agency and our work to help people live better lives."

“It is a tremendous honor to join the team at the Department of Health and Human Services,” said Dr. Williams.  “I look forward to working with Governor Ricketts and Courtney Phillips to help strategically lead the nationally accredited Division of Public Health, as we continue to work to improve the health and well-being of Nebraskans."

Williams start date is November 1, 2016.  His salary will be $165,000.

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Media Contacts:
Taylor Gage, Governor’s Office, 402-471-1970
Leah Bucco-White, DHHS, 402-471-9356