The agency at the heart of Delaware’s coronavirus response will undergo a leadership change this summer.
Delaware Department of Health and Social Services Secretary Dr. Kara Odom Walker is leaving.
Walker plans to pursue health care policy work at the national level at Nemours’ Washington D.C. office.
Gov. John Carney is nominating DHSS Deputy Secretary Molly Magarik to fill the role. The State Senate needs to confirm the nomination.
Carney said in a statement Tuesday that Walker’s voice and leadership will be “sorely missed” in Delaware
"Over the last several years, she has managed our health and social services programs with grace, poise, and with a steadfast focus on helping the Delawareans who are most in need," said Carney in a statement. "Kara’s compassionate leadership has been so incredibly important this year, as Delaware has grappled with the COVID-19 pandemic. Her leadership during this difficult time has saved lives, and helped Delaware respond successfully to this disease."
Carney specifically pointed to Walker's work expanding Medicaid dental coverage, slowing the growth rate of healthcare spending and raising the age to purchase tobacco products to 21.
Walker said in a statement coming back to her home state to lead DHSS was “one of the highlights of [her] life.”
"While I know that we advanced many health and social service policies during my tenure, I will always wish that I had more time, because there is more work to address health equity, health care costs and access to care up and down our state, but particularly for vulnerable populations," said Walker in a statement.
The State Senate is expected to consider Magarik's nomination to lead DHSS before its current session ends June 30th.
