FRANKFORT, Ky. (Nov. 23, 2004) -- Dr. William Hacker has been appointed commissioner of the Department for Public Health (DPH), following a nationwide search. Dr. Hacker has served as acting commissioner for the department since July 2004.

            “Dr. Hacker's experience in both public health and as a private physician, and his deep caring for the people of Kentucky will enable him to lead our commonwealth in innovative approaches that will transform the public health care delivery system in our state,” said Cabinet for Health and Family Services Secretary James W. Holsinger Jr., M.D. “I am proud that he will play a key role in improving the health of Kentuckians.”

            Dr. Hacker joined the Department for Public Health as a Physician Consultant in 2001.  He has served as the Branch Manager for the Public Health Preparedness Branch since 2002, where he has headed up the department's disaster preparedness planning efforts, funded by grants from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA). He is also currently the Acting Director of the Division of Laboratory Services and the Acting Manager of the Chemistry Branch in the Division of Laboratory Services within DPH.

“I am honored by this opportunity to serve to serve the Commonwealth by supporting the vision of Governor Fletcher and Secretary Holsinger to protect and improve the health of our citizens,” Dr. Hacker said.

             Prior to joining state government, Dr. Hacker's experience included almost 20 years of private medical practice, as well as serving as the Chief Medical Officer of Appalachian Regional Healthcare, Inc. He is Board Certified in Pediatrics and a Certified Physician Executive.

            He is a native of Manchester, Kentucky, and received both undergraduate and medical degrees from the University of Kentucky, as well as serving a Pediatric Residency there.

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