LePage’s Department of Health and Human Services chief to retire at end of August

by Christopher Cousins
6 years ago
Acting Commissioner Ricker Hamilton oversees the largest agency in state government, the Maine Department of Health and Human Services. (Courtesy of DHHS)

Gov. Paul LePage announced Friday that his health and human services chief will retire at the end of August.

Health and Human Services Commissioner Ricker Hamilton has dedicated more than 40 years to state service, including working for DHHS since 1982, most of it in adult protective services. He became director of the Office of Aging and Disability Services in 2011 and took over leadership of DHHS in 2017. He was confirmed as commissioner by the Senate in October 2017.

 LePage said in a prepared statement that Hamilton has been a valuable public servant and someone who has “dedicated his long career at DHHS to protecting our most vulnerable.”

Hamilton said he is proud of what has been accomplished during his short tenure leading DHHS, including measures to combat drug addiction and help people transition from social service programs to work.

“Though retirement is bittersweet, I am confident that I am leaving the department in the hands of a very capable and dedicated staff,” he said.

To read the rest of “LePage’s DHHS chief to retire at end of August,” an article by contributing Bangor Daily News staff writer Christopher Cousins, please follow this link to the BDN online.