Mike Leavitt facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Mike Leavitt
20th United States Secretary of Health and Human Services
In office January 26, 2005 – January 20, 2009
President	George W. Bush
Preceded by	Tommy Thompson
Succeeded by	Kathleen Sebelius
10th Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency
In office November 6, 2003 – January 26, 2005
President	George W. Bush
Preceded by	Christine Todd Whitman
Succeeded by	Stephen L. Johnson
Chair of the National Governors Association
In office August 10, 1999 – July 11, 2000
Preceded by	Tom Carper
Succeeded by	Parris Glendening
14th Governor of Utah
In office January 4, 1993 – November 5, 2003
Lieutenant	Olene Walker
Preceded by	Norman Bangerter
Succeeded by	Olene Walker
Personal details
Born	Michael Okerlund Leavitt (1951-02-11) February 11, 1951 (age 74) Cedar City, Utah, U.S.
Political party	Republican
Spouse	Jacalyn Smith
Children	5
Education	Southern Utah University (BA)

Michael Okerlund Leavitt (born February 11, 1951) is an American politician. He served in important roles for the United States government. From 2005 to 2009, he was the 20th United States secretary of health and human services. Before that, from 2003 to 2005, he was the 10th administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

A member of the Republican Party, Leavitt also served as the 14th governor of Utah. He held this position from 1993 to 2003.

Leavitt began his career in 1972. He worked in the insurance business for many years. From 1984 until 1992, he was the president and CEO of The Leavitt Group. As governor, he helped create Western Governors University. He also prepared Utah for the 2002 Winter Olympics. He worked on modernizing sales tax for online shopping. He also helped with land exchanges between Utah and the federal government.

Leavitt left his role as governor in 2003. President George W. Bush chose him to lead the EPA. Later, he became the Secretary of Health and Human Services. In this role, he helped put Medicare Part D into action. He also created a plan for national pandemics. He helped with recovery efforts after Hurricane Katrina.

Today, Leavitt advises on health care. He is also an investor and a corporate director. In August 2021, he became the president of the Tabernacle Choir at Temple Square.

Early Life and Education

Michael Okerlund Leavitt was born in Cedar City, Utah. His parents were Phyllis Anne and Dixie L. Leavitt. He earned a degree in business from Southern Utah University. He is married to Jacalyn Smith, and they have five children.

Leavitt is a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. His family has a long history in the United States. He is a direct descendant of Dudley Leavitt, a Mormon pioneer.

Leavitt's Career Journey

Starting in Business

Leavitt's business career began at The Leavitt Group. This was a regional insurance company started by his father. He became the company's president and CEO. Under his leadership, the company grew a lot. He also joined the boards of several companies. These included Utah Power and Light. He was also a member of the Utah State Board of Regents. This board oversees Utah's public colleges and universities. He chaired the board of trustees for Southern Utah University for four years.

In 1976, Leavitt helped his father with a campaign for governor. He also worked on U.S. Senate campaigns in the 1980s. These were for Jake Garn and Orrin Hatch.

Serving the Public

Governor of Utah

Leavitt first ran for governor in 1992. He won the election and became the 14th Governor of Utah. A fire damaged the Utah Governor's Mansion in December 1993. Luckily, his family and staff were safe.

He was re-elected in 1996 with many votes. As governor, he and Roy Romer of Colorado helped start Western Governors University in 1997. This was one of the first online schools in the country. Many other governors also supported creating this non-profit university.

In 2000, Leavitt was re-elected for a third term. He was only the second governor in Utah to do this. He held leadership roles in national groups. These included chairing the Republican Governors Association. He also chaired the Western Governors Association.

Leading the EPA

On August 11, 2003, President George W. Bush chose Leavitt to lead the EPA. The United States Senate approved his nomination. On November 5, he became the 10th Administrator of the EPA.

At the EPA, he worked to make the air cleaner. He set higher standards for ozone and diesel fuels. He also helped create a plan to clean up the Great Lakes. He co-authored an environmental policy called Enlibra.

Secretary of Health and Human Services

On December 13, 2004, President Bush nominated Leavitt for a new role. He was chosen to be the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS). The Senate approved him on January 26, 2005. He often talked about the financial challenges facing Medicare.

Secretary Leavitt focused on preparing the nation for pandemics. He used scientific work from the World Health Organization. This led to new plans for medical emergencies.

Leavitt also served on the Homeland Security Advisory Council. In August 2007, he became the first cabinet member to have a blog.

Helping Presidential Transitions

During the 2012 presidential campaign, Leavitt led the transition team for Mitt Romney. This was the first time a presidential transition was planned under a new law. This law was the Presidential Transition Act of 2010.

In 2014 and 2015, Leavitt advised Congress on how to improve transition laws. A new law was signed in December 2015. It was called the Edward "Ted" Kaufman and Michael Leavitt Presidential Transitions Improvements Act of 2015.

For the 2016 and 2020 elections, Leavitt helped advise campaigns. He worked with a team to help both Republican and Democratic candidates. They helped them create good transition plans.

Working for Electoral Reform

In 2013, Leavitt worked with Norma Matheson and Gail Miller. They started "Count My Vote." This group worked to improve state election rules. They successfully pushed for a new law in Utah. This law allows candidates to get on the primary election ballot by gathering signatures.

Leavitt Partners

In 2009, Leavitt started Leavitt Partners. This is a company that advises clients on health care policy. The company became well-known for its work on value-based health care.

In April 2021, Leavitt Partners joined with Health Management Associates. Leavitt became a Co-Chairman of the new combined company.

Leading the Tabernacle Choir

On August 6, 2021, it was announced that Leavitt would become the president of the Tabernacle Choir at Temple Square. He took over from Ron Jarrett.

Giving Back

Leavitt's family has a charitable foundation. It is called the Dixie and Anne Leavitt Foundation. The family started it in 2000. They have donated nearly $9 million to it since then.