News Release: Governor Crist Appoints Thomas W. Arnold as Secretary of Agency for Health Care Administration
Oct 28, 2009
Governor Crist’s office published this news release on October 28, 2009
TALLAHASSEE – Governor Charlie Crist today appointed Thomas W. Arnold of Tallahassee as Secretary of the Agency for Health Care Administration. He has served as the agency’s Chief of Staff since 2008.
“Tom’s extensive knowledge of managing Florida’s Medicaid programs is especially important as our nation’s discussion of health care moves forward,” Governor Crist said. “With 30 years of experience with Florida’s health and human service programs, Tom has the expertise we need at this critical time.”
Arnold, 60, has served in a wide variety of public health administrative roles. Previously, he was the state Medicaid director within the Agency for Health Care Administration from 2004 to 2007. He has also served within the Florida Department of Health as deputy state health officer during 2008, deputy secretary from 2003 to 2004 and director of administration from 1998 to 2003. Prior to the creation of the two state agencies, he served in various roles within the Florida Department of Health and Rehabilitative Services from 1979 to 1998. Arnold served in the United States Marine Corps Reserve from 1970 to 1976 and earned a bachelor’s degree in accounting from Florida State University.
“I am honored to have the opportunity to put my years of service to work as head of Florida’s Medicaid agency,” Arnold said. “I look forward to addressing the challenges and opportunities that lie before us.”
Arnold replaces Holly Benson who resigned earlier this month. The Agency for Health Care Administration works to improve access to affordable, quality health care to all Floridians through the management of Florida’s $18-billion Medicaid program. It also licenses and regulates health care facilities and health maintenance organizations, and publishes health care data and statistics.