Gov. Reynolds appoints Kraig Paulsen as Director of Health and Human Services

DES MOINES, Iowa (KCRG) – Governor Kim Reynolds has appointed Kraig Paulsen to lead the Iowa Health and Human Services (HHS).

Reynolds said that she has accepted the resignation of Director Larry Johnson, whose confirmation was blocked by Iowa Senate Democrats in April. She issued a statement on the appointment on Friday.

“This is not the first time I’ve called upon Director Paulsen to help lead executive branch departments during times of transition. His experience across state government is unmatched, and I have full confidence in his ability to ensure our state’s largest agency has the leadership team required, not only to serve Iowans most in need of assistance, but also to advance strategic initiatives such as rural health transformation, cancer research, and child welfare technology improvements,” Reynolds said.

Director Paulsen has appointed Johnson as Principal Deputy Director of HHS.

“I look forward to working closely with Principal Deputy Director Johnson to ensure Iowa’s strong commitment to our most vulnerable citizens continues as usual,” Paulsen said in a statement.