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 Mike Willden has served as Director of the Department of
Health and Human Services (DHHS) since July 2001, first appointed
by Governor Kenny Guinn and reappointed by Governor Jim
Gibbons. He is responsible for oversight of the largest
department in Nevada state government, with approximately
5200 employees and 29% of the budget.
The divisions within DHHS
include Aging Services, Child and Family Services, Health,
Health Care Financing and Policy, Mental Health and
Developmental Services, Welfare and Supportive Services, and
the Office of the Public Defender. Major programs within
the Director’s Office include Senior and Disability Rx,
Office of Aging & Disability Services, Office of Suicide Prevention,
and the Grants Management Unit.
Mike has been recognized for
his advocacy in human services by many organizations,
including: Nevada Disability Advocacy and Law Centers
(2004); National Association of Social Workers, Nevada
Chapter, 2005 Community Advocate of the Year; and by the
Foundation for an Independent Tomorrow (2005 Citizen of
Distinction).
He has been appointed to serve
on many boards and commissions, including the Welfare Reform
Task Force, Child Care Advisory Board, Early Intervention
Interagency Coordinating Council, Developmental Disabilities
Planning Council, Commission on Aging, Governor’s Statewide
Work Investment Board, Certified Public Manager’s Advisory
Board, and the Nevada Academy of Health Steering Committee.
Prior to his appointment as
Department Director, Mike was the State Welfare
Administrator and worked in that agency in different
capacities for 25 years, beginning his career at DHHS as a
case worker.
A native Nevadan, Mike earned a
degree in Business Administration from Southern Utah
University.
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