September 22, 2004

The Michigan Department of Community Health (MDCH) today announced the appointment of Jeanette Wrona Klemczak as Michigan’s Chief Nursing Executive to serve Michigan citizens by providing professional nursing leadership, expertise and coordination in nursing workforce and health policy development.

Governor Jennifer M. Granholm promised to address the nursing workforce shortage in her 2002 Gubernatorial campaign. The appointment of the Chief Nursing Executive is a major step forward in tackling the health care workforce shortfall, she said.

“To meet the healthcare needs of Michigan citizens, the state needs an outstanding and experienced nurse like Jeanette working to attract, train, and retain dedicated health care professionals in the nursing workforce,” Granholm said. “As part of Michigan’s health care team, Jeanette will be the expert we turn to when it comes to nursing.”

Janet Olszewski, Director of the Michigan Department of Community Health, said the state’s new Chief Nursing Executive will be directly involved in a team effort with Michigan’s educational institutions and health care providers to help assure the availability of qualified nurses to meet Michigan’s current and future needs.

“Jeanette Klemczak has the skills, experience and background necessary to address the multifaceted matters surrounding nursing in Michigan,” Olszewski said. “She will also focus on critical issues such as patient safety, health care quality, and emerging technology and innovation in the nursing and related allied health fields.”

Klemczak, of East Lansing, is currently serving the Michigan State University College of Nursing as the Director of Faculty Clinical Practice and as an assistant professor. She is currently on extended, unpaid leave from her position at MSU.

Starting as a staff nurse at the beginning of her career, Klemczak has held multiple leadership roles in the City of Detroit, the Wayne County Health Department, and the former Michigan Department of Public Health (now MDCH).

Klemczak’s wide range of roles has included extensive work in legislation, health policy, and consulting. Klemczak received her Bachelors of Science degree from University of Detroit Mercy and earned her Masters of Science from Wayne State University.

Throughout her 30-year career in nursing, Klemczak has built a highly-respected reputation in the healthcare and nursing industry.

Industry leaders and health care executives statewide also lauded Klemczak’s appointment:

"Jeanette Klemczak is an excellent choice for Michigan's first Chief Nurse Executive. As a long-time member and leader in her professional association, Jeanette is well-known and respected for her knowledge and expertise in the political and legislative aspects of healthcare," said Cheryl Johnson, RN, President of the Michigan Nurses Association.

"The selection of Jeanette Klemczak as the state's chief nurse executive demonstrates the Governor's commitment to protecting the health of Michigan's citizens," said Anne Rosewarne, President of the Michigan Health Council. "By dedicating such a high-level executive position, we are creating an environment that will support a vital nursing workforce in Michigan."

“The Michigan Board of Nursing applauds Governor Granholm for her commitment to addressing the impact of the nursing shortage on the health care delivery system in Michigan. Appointing Jeanette Klemczak, will be significant in the success of statewide initiatives,” said Jonnie Hamilton, Chair, Michigan Board of Nursing.

“The board is looking forward to working with her.”

"The growing nursing shortage is a looming public health crisis. With the appointment of Jeanette Klemczak as chief nurse executive, the state can continue forming the strong public/private infrastructure necessary for addressing professional nursing issues in Michigan," said Carol Garlinghouse, Director of the Michigan Center for Nursing.

In 2002, Governor Granholm also appointed Dr. Kimberlydawn Wisdom as the state’s first Surgeon General.