Before the pandemic, Maine faced a public health crisis. So, newly elected Gov. Janet Mills selected Jeanne Lambrew as her first Cabinet choice as Commissioner of the Department of Health and Human Services. Their first act expanded MaineCare, providing affordable, accessible health care for over 100,000 Mainers.

Second was to restore systems, services and confidence in a department that was gutted by the previous administration. Rebuilding, led by Commissioner Lambrew and her team – including deputy, and now acting Commissioner Sarah Gagne Holmes – was a priority. As board chair of the Consumers for Affordable Healthcare, I have seen firsthand that these efforts were predicated on a customer-comes-first philosophy.

Then the pandemic hit, and the commissioner, with Dr. Nirav Shah, made sure Maine was well informed and prepared, taking careful steps during an uncertain national health crisis. Through her steady efforts with the governor, Maine had one of the best models to protect people’s health and economic standing.

Lambrew’s stint as DHHS commissioner was impactful, mission driven and timely. The DHHS is a monstrous, complex government agency but Commissioner Lambrew faced all challenges. She returned to help Maine and be closer to her parents in Cape Elizabeth after playing a prominent role developing and implementing the Affordable Care Act, working for President Obama. She embodies government and public service using expertise and passion, turning policies into practices to help people making Maine a better place.

Lee Umphrey
President & CEO, Eastern Maine Development Corp.
Bangor