HHS Names Calise I. Muñoz Regional Director for Region IX, San Francisco Area
HHS Secretary Tommy G. Thompson today announced the appointment of Calise I. Muñoz as his Regional Director for Region IX, based in San Francisco. A California native, Muñoz has served as deputy director for policy in HHS' Office of Intergovernmental Affairs since September 2001.
In her new position, Muñoz will be Secretary Thompson's direct representative responsible for official dealings with state, local and tribal government organizations and will promote the Secretary's commitment to state and local health agencies. The region comprises the states of Arizona, California, Hawaii and Nevada, as well as Guam, American Samoa, the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, Federated States of Micronesia, Republic of the Marshall Islands, and Republic of Palau.
"Over the past two years, Calise has shown real leadership in working with state and local governments to improve the health and well-being of our residents," Secretary Thompson said. "She will play an important role in continuing the strong, effective partnerships between the department and the region's Western states and territories."
Muñoz has extensive experience in health law and policy. Prior to joining HHS, she served as a legislative advocate representing health care clients before the California Legislature and other state government agencies. She also served as a legislative policy consultant to California State Senator Ken Maddy, focusing on issues including health care, welfare reform and gaming.
She previously worked as a legal clerk and legislative assistant with the Federal Affairs Health Team of the American Association of Retired Persons (AARP) in Washington, D.C.; as a law clerk with the Office of the Attorney General of the State of Washington; and as a White House intern in the first Bush Administration.
Muñoz is a graduate of the University of Southern California. She received a law degree from the Georgetown University Law Center in 1995 and is a member of the California State Bar.
She will start her new assignment on January 12, 2004.
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