Anton Gunn facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Anton Gunn
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| Member of the South Carolina House of Representatives from the 79th district |
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| In office 2009–2011 |
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| Preceded by | Bill Cotty (politician) |
| Succeeded by | Mia McLeod |
| Personal details | |
| Born | March 1, 1973 Portsmouth, Virginia |
| Political party | Democratic |
| Spouse | Tiffany Johnson-Gunn |
| Children | Ashley |
| Occupation | Motivational speaker and consultant |
Anton J. Gunn, born on March 1, 1973, is a healthcare expert and a former American politician. He once led the Office of External Affairs at the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Since 2018, he has also helped lead the Health Care Voter campaign.
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Anton Gunn's Early Life and Education
Anton J. Gunn was born in Portsmouth, Virginia, on March 1, 1973. He went to Kempsville High School in Virginia Beach, Virginia. Gunn later attended the University of South Carolina (USC). While at USC, he played American football for the South Carolina Gamecocks team. He also earned a master's degree from USC's College of Social Work.
After his football career, Gunn worked for twelve years. He was a community organizer and a leader for non-profit groups. This work took place in South Carolina and Washington, D.C.. Before getting into politics, he was recognized as one of the "50 Young Progressive Activists Who Are Changing America."
Anton Gunn's Political Journey
Anton Gunn played an important role in politics. He was the political director for Barack Obama's 2008 presidential primary campaign in South Carolina. Gunn also served as a delegate. This meant he represented his state at the 2008 Democratic National Convention in Denver, Colorado.
Serving in the South Carolina House of Representatives
On November 4, 2008, Anton Gunn won an election. He defeated David Herndon to become a state lawmaker. He was elected to the South Carolina House of Representatives. He represented District 79, which included parts of Richland and Kershaw Counties. Gunn made history as the first African American to be elected from District 79.
During his first year, Gunn supported or helped create 204 new laws. He worked on important issues for South Carolina. For example, he supported "school choice" for public schools. He also signed a letter to President Obama about climate change. In 2010, he helped pass a change to the state budget. This change focused on making government more open and clear.
Gunn was part of the Medical, Military, Public and Municipal Affairs committee. He focused on health care laws. He was the main person behind a new law. This law created a special committee to study how to use electronic health records more in South Carolina.
On August 13, 2010, Gunn announced he would not run for re-election. He chose to accept a new job from President Obama. This new role was as a Regional Director for the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services.
Working for the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services
On August 13, 2010, President Barack Obama appointed Anton Gunn to a new position. He became the Regional Director for the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) in Region IV. This region covers several states, including Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Tennessee. Gunn was the top HHS official in the Southeastern United States.
In this role, Gunn worked directly with state, local, and tribal governments. He built strong relationships with governors, mayors, and other important officials. He also helped guide HHS staff in their dealings with government officials. As Regional Director, Gunn gave presentations to businesses and groups. He explained the details of the Affordable Care Act, a major health care law. For example, he explained the law to people in Jackson, Mississippi.
On April 4, 2012, Gunn received another important appointment. He became the Director of External Affairs at HHS. In this role, he advised President Obama and Secretary Kathleen Sebelius. His job was to create plans to put the Affordable Care Act into action. He also built relationships with groups outside the government. Gunn represented the Secretary in dealings with national, state, and local organizations.
Gunn was featured in a series about African Americans helping to put the Affordable Care Act into place. He explained his job: "My job is to find people outside of government who want to help implement the law, and make sure I provide them with the information and the tools necessary to help us make sure the law is effective." He aimed to build strong partnerships to deliver on the law's promises.
In June 2013, The Hill.com named Gunn as one of '10 Players to Watch on Obamacare Rollout'. This was because he helped keep good relationships between the Obama administration and powerful health care groups. The Hill.com also included him in their list of "2013 People to Watch This Fall."
Anton Gunn's Career After Politics
In January 2014, Anton Gunn started his own company, 937 Strategy Group. This company helps healthcare technology startups and other businesses. It advises them on how to use new financial chances from healthcare reform. Gunn continued to support the Obama healthcare policy. In October 2014, he told The New York Times that the program had improved. He noted that about ten million people were covered by the program at that time.
In July 2014, Gunn was named a Resident Fellow at the Harvard Institute of Politics. This institute is part of the John F. Kennedy School of Government at Harvard University. Gunn worked with students and led study groups. The Institute of Politics was created in 1966 to honor President John F. Kennedy. It aims to inspire students to consider careers in public service.
In August 2014, Gunn became the Executive Director of Community Health Innovation. He also became the Chief Diversity Officer for the Medical University of South Carolina (MUSC). He started this position in January 2015.
In January 2021, Gunn left MUSC Health. He wanted to expand his company, 937 Strategy Group. This company focuses on leadership training and consulting. Its goal is to help many leaders and employees. They aim to build workplaces where everyone feels seen, valued, respected, included, and empowered.
Gunn believes that a "toxic workplace culture" is a big problem in American healthcare. He says it causes low morale, low engagement, and high employee turnover. He works to fix these issues. He wants to create workplaces with diverse, high-performing teams and great leaders. This, he believes, will lead to better health, safety, and well-being for patients and communities.
Anton Gunn's Personal Life
Anton Gunn's younger brother, Cherone L. Gunn, passed away on October 12, 2000. He was killed in a terrorist attack on the USS Cole (DDG-67). Gunn says this sad event, known as the USS Cole bombing, inspired him to get involved in politics.
Gunn currently lives in Columbia, SC. He lives there with his wife, Tiffany, and their daughter, Ashley.
