http://www.usda.gov/2009/04/0116.xml
Release No. 0116.09
Contact:
Office of Communications (202) 720-4623
PRESIDENT OBAMA, SECRETARY VILSACK ANNOUNCE INTENT TO NOMINATE KEVIN CONCANNON AS UNDER SECRETARY FOR FOOD, NUTRITION AND CONSUMER SERVICES AT USDA
WASHINGTON, April 17, 2009 - President Barack Obama today announced his intent to nominate Kevin W. Concannon as Under Secretary for Food, Nutrition and Consumer Services at the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Concannon will serve with Secretary Tom Vilsack.
"In the past 25 years, Kevin Concannon has been Director of four health and human service agencies in three states-Iowa, Maine and Oregon," Vilsack said. "In these positions, Kevin has led state efforts to make food stamps and emergency food assistance more accessible to those in need.
"From children's and juvenile services, to Medicaid, public health and many other areas, Kevin has dedicated his career to improving the lives of millions in every stage and every circumstance of life. Now we're tapping his leadership and experience to serve citizens across the nation and address President Obama's deep concern for the health and welfare-and particularly the nutrition-of America's children."
As Director of the Iowa Department of Human Services (DHS) from 2003 to 2008, Concannon headed an agency that serves close to one million Iowans each year.
He was Maine's DHS Commissioner from 1995 to 2003; Director of Oregon's DHS from 1987 to 1995; and Commissioner of the Maine Department of Mental Health and Mental Retardation from 1980 to 1987.
In these offices, Concannon helped transform state welfare systems; led major initiatives in prescription drug access; championed improvements in child support and child care programs; and led long-term care system reform for the elderly, among many other achievements.
Concannon has held many national leadership roles. He has served as President of the American Public Welfare Association and President of the National Association of State Mental Health Program Directors. He was Co-Chair of the Milbank Fund's Reforming States' Health Care Steering Committee and a member of the Harvard University Executive Session on the Future of Child Welfare, among other positions.
A native of Portland, Maine, Concannon holds a B.A. degree from St. Francis Xavier University, Antigonish, Nova Scotia, and a M.S.W. degree from St. Francis Xavier University and the Maritime School of Social Work, Halifax, Nova Scotia. He and his wife M. Eileen Concannon have four adult sons.
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