Mike Leavitt facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Mike Leavitt
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| 20th United States Secretary of Health and Human Services | |
| In office January 26, 2005 – January 20, 2009 |
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| 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 |
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| 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 |
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| Preceded by | Tom Carper |
| Succeeded by | Parris Glendening |
| 14th Governor of Utah | |
| In office January 4, 1993 – November 5, 2003 |
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| Lieutenant | Olene Walker |
| Preceded by | Norman Bangerter |
| Succeeded by | Olene Walker |
| Personal details | |
| Born |
Michael Okerlund Leavitt
February 11, 1951 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 belongs to the Republican Party. He served as the 14th governor of Utah from 1993 to 2003. Later, he worked in the George W. Bush administration. He was the head of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) from 2003 to 2005. Then he became the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) from 2005 to 2009.
Mr. 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. This was one of the first online schools. He also helped prepare Utah for the 2002 Winter Olympics. He worked on modernizing sales tax rules for online shopping. He also made big land deals between Utah and the U.S. government.
Leavitt left his job as governor in 2003. President George W. Bush chose him to lead the EPA. His lieutenant governor, Olene Walker, took over as governor. Later, Leavitt became the Secretary of Health and Human Services. In this role, he helped start Medicare Part D. He also created a national plan for pandemics. He worked to improve healthcare and helped after Hurricane Katrina.
Today, Mike Leavitt advises on healthcare and invests in companies. In August 2021, he became the president of The Tabernacle Choir at Temple Square.
Contents
Early Life and Education
Mike 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 Utah.
Public Service Career
Early Career Steps
Leavitt started his business career at The Leavitt Group. His father founded this regional insurance company. Mike Leavitt became its president and CEO. Under his leadership, the company grew a lot. He also served on boards for other companies. He was a member of the Utah State Board of Regents. This board oversees Utah's public colleges and universities.
In 1976, Leavitt helped his father's campaign for governor. He also worked on U.S. Senate campaigns in the 1980s.
Governor of Utah
Leavitt first ran for governor in 1992. He won the election and became Utah's 14th governor.
In December 1993, a fire damaged the Utah Governor's Mansion. Luckily, the first family and staff were safe.
Leavitt was re-elected in 1996. He received the most votes in state history. As governor, he and Roy Romer of Colorado helped start Western Governors University in 1997. This was one of the first online universities. Many other governors also supported its creation.
In 2000, Leavitt was re-elected for a third term. This made him only the second governor in Utah history to do so. He also led several national groups. These included the Republican Governors Association and the National Governors Association.
Leading the EPA
On August 11, 2003, President George W. Bush chose Leavitt to lead the EPA. The U.S. 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.
Secretary of Health and Human Services
In December 2004, President Bush nominated Leavitt to be the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS). The Senate approved him in January 2005. He often spoke about the financial challenges facing Medicare.
Secretary Leavitt worked to prepare the nation for a possible bird flu pandemic. He helped change the country's medical emergency plans. He also served on the Homeland Security Advisory Council. In August 2007, he became the first cabinet member to write a blog.
Helping Presidential Transitions
During the 2012 presidential campaign, Leavitt led the transition team for Mitt Romney. This team planned how Romney's government would start if he won. Leavitt also advised Congress on how to improve laws for presidential transitions. In 2015, a law named after him and Edward Kaufman was signed. This law helps future presidents prepare to take office.
In the 2016 and 2020 elections, Leavitt continued to advise presidential campaigns. He helped both Republicans and Democrats plan for smooth transitions.
Working for Electoral Reform
In 2013, Leavitt worked with Norma Matheson and Gail Miller. They started "Count My Vote." This group worked to change Utah's election laws. They helped pass a new law. This law allows candidates to get on the primary election ballot by gathering signatures.
Leavitt Partners
In 2009, Leavitt started Leavitt Partners. This company advises clients on healthcare policy. It became well-known for its work on "value-based health care." This means focusing on healthcare that provides good results for patients. In 2021, Leavitt Partners joined with another firm. Leavitt became a co-chairman of the new company.
Tabernacle Choir President
On August 6, 2021, Mike Leavitt became the president of The Tabernacle Choir at Temple Square. He took over from Ron Jarrett.
Giving Back to the Community
The Dixie and Anne Leavitt Foundation is a charity started by Leavitt's family in 2000. The family has given nearly $9 million to this foundation. It supports many good causes.
Electoral History
- 1992 Race for Governor
- Michael Leavitt (R), 42%
- Merrill Cook (I), 34%
- Stewart Hanson (D), 23%
- 1996 Race for Governor
- Michael Leavitt (R) (inc.), 75%
- Jim Bradley (D), 23%
- 2000 Race for Governor
- Michael Leavitt (R) (inc.), 56%
- Bill Orton (D), 42%
