Shreveport, LA – According to the state officials, the reshuffling comes following the signing of House Bill 853, which establishes the Office of the Surgeon General within LDH.
Dr. Ralph Abraham, currently serving as Secretary of LDH, will transition to the newly created Office of the Surgeon General.
In this role, Dr. Abraham will wield substantial authority in crafting health policy, focusing on healthcare workforce development, advocating for wellness initiatives, and coordinating efforts with other state agencies to bolster health outcomes statewide.
Michael Harrington, presently LDH’s Undersecretary, will assume the role of Secretary, succeeding Dr. Abraham. Drew Maranto, LDH’s Chief of Staff, will step into the position of Undersecretary, bringing his experience in strategic management to the forefront of departmental operations.
Bethany Blackson, LDH’s Director of Legislative and Governmental Relations, will ascend to the role of Chief of Staff, rounding out the leadership team with her expertise in legislative affairs and organizational governance.
House Bill 853 marks a pivotal moment in LDH’s organizational structure by establishing the Surgeon General as a co-equal position alongside the Secretary. The Surgeon General, appointed by the Governor and mandated to be a licensed, practicing physician in Louisiana, will absorb the responsibilities of the State Health Officer, ensuring budget neutrality while expanding the department’s capacity to address public health challenges.
These leadership changes reflect Governor Landry’s commitment to advancing healthcare policy and administration in Louisiana, aiming to improve health outcomes and foster collaboration among state entities in pursuit of a healthier future for all residents.