Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp has tapped Dr. Dean Burke to lead the Georgia Department of Community Health, effective August 1.
The appointment follows Commissioner Russel Carlson’s decision to step down and accept a position in the private sector.
Burke, who currently serves as Chief Medical Officer for the department, will bring decades of experience in public health and medical policy to the commissioner’s post.
In his current role, Burke oversees the State Health Benefit Plan and the State Office of Rural Health, while advising leadership on health care strategy and quality initiatives.
“Given his extensive background in medicine and healthcare policy, he is uniquely qualified to fill this role at a pivotal time for this important agency,” Kemp said in a statement. “I’m confident he will demonstrate the same level of commitment as commissioner that he has shown throughout his many years of public service.”
Kemp also acknowledged Carlson’s tenure at the agency, noting his leadership during the launch of the Georgia Pathways to Coverage program.
“I also want to thank Russel Carlson for his years of service and many contributions to the Department of Community Health,” Kemp added. “He has been a knowledgeable leader … Our family wishes him, Anne-Marie, and their three children well in this next phase of his career.”
Burke’s public service record includes a decade in the Georgia Senate, representing District 11. He served as Chairman of the Insurance and Labor Committee and held leadership roles on the Health and Human Services, Ethics, Appropriations, Agriculture and Consumer Affairs, and Rules Committees.
Before entering the state legislature, Burke served on the Bainbridge City Council and worked on regional water issues with the Lower Flint Water Council.
Burke is also a former Chief Medical Officer at Memorial Hospital and Manor in Bainbridge and chaired the Stratus Healthcare Governing Board. He received his specialty training in Obstetrics and Gynecology at Mercer University School of Medicine, practicing obstetrics and gynecology for 27 years in rural Georgia.
