NEBRASKA, March 18 - Media Contacts:  

Taylor Gage, 402-471-1970

Justin Pinkerman, 402-471-1967

Media Release:

Gov. Ricketts Announces Leadership Transition for the Division of Developmental Disabilities  

LINCOLN – Today, Governor Pete Ricketts and Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) Chief Executive Officer Dannette R. Smith announced that Courtney Miller, Director of the Division of Developmental Disabilities, will be stepping down to accept an appointment in the federal government.

“Under Director Miller’s tenure, the Division of Developmental Disabilities at DHHS has thrived and provided excellent service to Nebraska families and stakeholders,” said Gov. Ricketts.  “Her dedication to helping people live better lives is evident in the legacy she leaves behind, including providing more customer-focused, efficient, and effective services for Nebraskans in need.  We wish her well as she takes on her new role.”

Miller has been named Medicaid and CHIP Operations Group Director of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS), a newly created position.  Tony Green, Deputy Director for the Division of Developmental Disabilities, will serve as Interim Director of the Division.  Miller’s last day at DHHS will be April 4^th.

“While we are sorry to see her go, we know that her new role leading CMS interactions and collaborations relating to Medicaid and CHIP with the states and the stakeholder community will benefit our nation’s health care system in new and impactful ways,” said CEO Smith.  “During her tenure, she has brought changes that will truly have a long-lasting, positive impact on Nebraskans.”

Miller has been employed by the State of Nebraska for 20 years.  She was appointed to her current post by Governor Ricketts in December 2015.  She joined DHHS in 2008 and has worked in a variety of capacities in the Division of Medicaid and Long-Term Care, including Deputy Director for the Programs Section, Administrator I, and Program Specialist.  Before joining DHHS, Courtney worked at the Nebraska State Patrol as a Records Technician and at the Nebraska Department of Correctional Services as a Unit Case Manager.  She began her career at the Iowa Department of Human Services as an Income Maintenance Worker.

“Contributing to the State of Nebraska has been an immensely rewarding experience for me over the last twenty years,” said Miller.  “I look forward to continuing to work with the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services’ leadership in my new role.”