Mike Leavitt, American politician, 14th Governor of Utah

Michael Okerlund Leavitt, born on February 11, 1951, is a distinguished American politician and public servant with a long and impactful career spanning state and federal government. A prominent member of the Republican Party, Leavitt is widely recognized for his service as the 14th Governor of Utah from 1993 to 2003. His influence extended to the federal level, where he held two cabinet-level positions under President George W. Bush: Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) from 2003 to 2005, and subsequently as Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) from 2005 to 2009. His multifaceted public service underscores a commitment to both environmental stewardship and public health.

Governor of Utah (1993-2003)

Michael O. Leavitt's political journey began with a remarkable decade as the 14th Governor of Utah, serving from 1993 to 2003. As a Republican leader, he presided over a period of substantial economic prosperity and population growth for the state. During his three terms, Governor Leavitt was instrumental in a wide array of initiatives, focusing on:

• Economic Development and Fiscal Reform: He championed policies that fostered economic growth and implemented significant tax reform, aiming to create a more favorable business environment and ensure fiscal responsibility.
• Environmental Stewardship: Leavitt was a proponent of innovative environmental solutions, often seeking to balance economic development with natural resource protection through collaborative approaches.
• Education Enhancements: He prioritized improvements in Utah's education system, advocating for reforms to better prepare the state's youth.
• 2002 Winter Olympics Preparation: Governor Leavitt played a crucial role in the successful organization and hosting of the 2002 Winter Olympic Games in Salt Lake City, navigating complex logistical and security challenges and showcasing Utah on a global stage.

His leadership extended beyond state borders, as he also served as the Chairman of the National Governors Association and was a co-founder and past chairman of the Western Governors' Association (WGA). These roles allowed him to influence national policy discussions and foster regional cooperation on critical issues facing western states.

Federal Cabinet Leadership: EPA and HHS

Following his distinguished tenure as Utah's governor, Michael Leavitt was called to national service, appointed by President George W. Bush to two pivotal cabinet positions. His experience in state governance, coupled with a pragmatic approach, made him a valuable asset in addressing complex national challenges.

Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (2003-2005)

From 2003 to 2005, Michael Leavitt served as the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). In this crucial role, he was responsible for leading the nation's efforts to protect human health and the environment. During his leadership, Leavitt focused on:

• Collaborative Environmental Policy: He emphasized working cooperatively with states, tribes, and businesses to achieve environmental goals, moving away from purely adversarial approaches.
• Clear Skies Initiative: Leavitt played a key role in advancing the "Clear Skies Initiative," a proposal aimed at reducing air pollution from power plants through market-based caps, though it ultimately faced legislative challenges.
• International Environmental Diplomacy: He actively engaged in international discussions on environmental issues, promoting U.S. interests and fostering global cooperation on shared ecological concerns.

Secretary of Health and Human Services (2005-2009)

In 2005, President Bush nominated Leavitt to head the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), where he served until the end of the administration in 2009. As Secretary, he oversaw a vast department responsible for the health and well-being of all Americans, managing a budget larger than most countries' economies. His priorities and achievements at HHS included:

• Pandemic Preparedness: Leavitt spearheaded significant efforts to enhance the nation's preparedness for potential pandemics, particularly in response to the growing threat of avian influenza, developing detailed national response plans.
• Health Information Technology (HIT): He was a leading advocate for the modernization of healthcare through the widespread adoption of health information technology, pushing for electronic health records to improve efficiency and patient care.
• Medicare Reform and Modernization: Leavitt oversaw the implementation of key aspects of the Medicare Prescription Drug, Improvement, and Modernization Act of 2003, which introduced the Medicare Part D prescription drug benefit, a monumental expansion of the program.

His tenure at HHS demonstrated a strategic vision for a more efficient, preventative, and globally prepared U.S. healthcare system.

Continued Public Service and Leadership Roles

Even after concluding his federal cabinet roles, Michael Leavitt has remained deeply engaged in public policy and community leadership, demonstrating a sustained commitment to improving societal well-being.

Bipartisan Policy Center (BPC)

Currently, Michael Leavitt serves as a distinguished co-leader of the Prevention Initiative at the Bipartisan Policy Center (BPC). The BPC is a non-profit organization that actively promotes bipartisanship by combining the best ideas from both parties to address America's greatest policy challenges. Within this context, the Prevention Initiative focuses on developing actionable, bipartisan recommendations to shift the nation's healthcare system towards greater emphasis on disease prevention and health promotion, ultimately aiming to improve health outcomes and reduce healthcare costs.

President of The Tabernacle Choir at Temple Square

In August 2021, Michael Leavitt embraced a significant leadership position within a cherished cultural institution, becoming the president of The Tabernacle Choir at Temple Square. This world-renowned volunteer choir, based in Salt Lake City, Utah, is an iconic ensemble with a rich history spanning over 170 years, known for its inspiring music and global outreach. As president, Leavitt oversees the administrative and operational aspects of the Choir, including its extensive touring, recordings, and the weekly "Music & the Spoken Word" broadcast, ensuring the organization continues its mission of inspiring millions worldwide through music. This role highlights his diverse leadership capabilities, extending from complex governmental policy to the stewardship of a prominent artistic and religious institution.

Frequently Asked Questions About Michael O. Leavitt

Who is Michael O. Leavitt?

Michael Okerlund Leavitt is an acclaimed American politician and public servant, born February 11, 1951. He is best known for his long and distinguished career, including serving as the 14th Governor of Utah, Administrator of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), and Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS).

What were Michael Leavitt's key governmental roles?

Leavitt served as the 14th Governor of Utah from 1993 to 2003. He then transitioned to federal service as the Administrator of the EPA from 2003 to 2005, and subsequently as the Secretary of HHS from 2005 to 2009, both under President George W. Bush.

What were some of his notable accomplishments as Governor of Utah?

As Utah's governor for a decade, Leavitt championed significant economic development, tax reform, and education enhancements. He was also pivotal in the successful preparation and hosting of the 2002 Winter Olympic Games in Salt Lake City, and co-founded the Western Governors' Association (WGA).

What did Michael Leavitt focus on as EPA Administrator?

During his time leading the Environmental Protection Agency, Leavitt emphasized collaborative approaches to environmental policy, working with states and businesses. He was involved in initiatives like the "Clear Skies Initiative" and engaged in international environmental diplomacy.

What key initiatives did he undertake as Secretary of Health and Human Services?

As Secretary of HHS, Leavitt was instrumental in enhancing national pandemic preparedness, particularly for avian influenza. He also strongly advocated for the adoption of health information technology (HIT) and oversaw crucial aspects of Medicare reform, including the implementation of the Medicare Part D prescription drug benefit.

What is the Bipartisan Policy Center, and what is Leavitt's role there?

The Bipartisan Policy Center (BPC) is a prominent non-profit organization dedicated to fostering bipartisanship in U.S. policy. Michael Leavitt serves as a co-leader of its Prevention Initiative, which aims to develop bipartisan solutions to improve public health outcomes through prevention and health promotion strategies.

What is Michael Leavitt's current role with The Tabernacle Choir at Temple Square?

Since August 2021, Michael Leavitt has served as the president of The Tabernacle Choir at Temple Square. In this administrative capacity, he oversees the operations and strategic direction of the world-renowned volunteer choir, which is known for its musical performances and global broadcasts.