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Elizabeth Hertel, Director
Elizabeth Hertel serves as Director of the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS). A seasoned public health leader, Hertel brings extensive experience in policy development, program administration, and community engagement to this role, overseeing nearly 16,000 employees across Michigan. She has been deeply committed to keeping kids safe from abuse and neglect and increasing access to behavioral health care, driving significant innovation and transformation across both systems.
Prior to being appointed Director in 2021, she served as Senior Chief Deputy Director for Administration, overseeing several key departments within MDHHS.
Her career in public service spans two decades. Hertel joined the Michigan Department of Community Health in 2013 as Senior Assistant for Policy and Planning prior to its merger with the Department of Human Services forming MDHHS in 2015.
Prior to her government roles, Hertel was Director of Michigan Advocacy for Trinity Health and held various other policy roles in the private sector and legislature. She holds a bachelor’s degree in public administration from Grand Valley State University and a Master of Business Administration degree from Michigan State University.
