02.04.16

Hoeven Introduces North Dakota Native Dr. Mary Wakefield at Senate Confirmation Hearing

Senator Emphasizes Wakefield's Rural, Tribal Health Care Experience, Work at UND

WASHINGTON – Senator John Hoeven today introduced Devils Lake, North Dakota native Dr. Mary Wakefield at a Senate Finance Committee confirmation hearing and urged his colleagues to confirm her to be Deputy Secretary of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), second in command of the federal agency.

“Dr. Wakefield understands firsthand the challenges associated with providing quality, affordable and accessible health care services, particularly in rural and tribal communities. This knowledge will be a valuable asset as she helps to lead HHS,” said Hoeven. “Dr. Wakefield has devoted her career to improving health care and serving the public. I encourage the committee to support her nomination and send her to the full Senate for confirmation.”

Wakefield is currently serving as the acting deputy secretary at HHS. Beginning in 2009 until her appointment as acting deputy secretary, she served as Administrator of the Health Resources and Services Administration at HHS. From 2001-2009, she served as the associate dean for rural health at the University of North Dakota’s School of Medicine and Health Sciences. Wakefield also served as chief of staff to North Dakota Senators Kent Conrad and Quentin Burdick. She received a bachelor’s degree in nursing from the University of Mary in Bismarck, North Dakota and master’s and doctoral degrees in nursing from the University of Texas at Austin.

-###-