Mike Leavitt

Michael Okerlund Leavitt is an American politician and businessman who served as the 14th governor of Utah from 1993 to 2003. A member of the Republican Party, he later held significant positions in the federal government, including as the 10th administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) from 2003 to 2005 and as the 20th United States secretary of health and human services from 2005 to 2009. Leavitt's career has been marked by his involvement in various initiatives related to education, environmental policy, and health care reform.

Early life and career

Leavitt was born on February 11, 1951, in Cedar City, Utah. He is the son of Phyllis Anne Okerlund and Dixie L. Leavitt. He pursued higher education at Southern Utah University, where he earned a degree in business. Following his graduation, Leavitt entered the insurance and risk management industry, joining The Leavitt Group, a regional insurance company founded by his father. Over the years, he advanced within the company, ultimately becoming its president and chief executive officer. Under his leadership, The Leavitt Group experienced significant growth and expansion.

In addition to his role at The Leavitt Group, Leavitt was actively involved in various boards and organizations. He served on the boards of several local and regional companies, including Utah Power and Light. His commitment to education led him to become a member of the Utah State Board of Regents, where he played a role in overseeing the state's nine public colleges and universities. He also held the position of chair of Southern Utah University's board of trustees for four years.

Leavitt's political involvement began in 1976 when he assisted his father, then a Utah state senator, in an unsuccessful campaign for governor. Throughout the 1980s, he contributed to several U.S. Senate campaigns, including those of Jake Garn and Orrin Hatch, further solidifying his interest in public service and politics.

Governorship

Leavitt's political career culminated in his election as governor of Utah in 1992. He faced a competitive Republican primary against Richard Eyre, who garnered a significant number of delegates at the state convention. However, Leavitt successfully defeated Independent Party candidate Merrill Cook and Democratic nominee Stewart Hanson in the general election, becoming the 14th governor of Utah.

During his tenure as governor, Leavitt oversaw several significant events and initiatives. Notably, a fire in December 1993 caused extensive damage to the Utah Governor's Mansion, although the first family and staff were unharmed. Leavitt was re-elected in 1996, achieving the largest vote total in state history at that time. In 2000, he became only the second governor in Utah's history to be re-elected to a third term.

Leavitt's administration was marked by a focus on education and innovation. He was instrumental in the establishment of Western Governors University in 1997, which was one of the first exclusively online universities in the United States. Alongside Colorado Governor Roy Romer and 17 other governors, Leavitt helped create this non-profit institution aimed at expanding access to higher education.

In addition to educational initiatives, Leavitt led efforts to prepare Utah for the 2002 Winter Olympics, which included infrastructure improvements and coordination among various state agencies. He also played a key role in negotiating significant land exchanges between the state and the federal government, which were among the largest in Utah's history. His administration focused on modernizing the state's sales tax system, particularly in relation to e-commerce, and he initiated an engineering education initiative to bolster technical skills in the workforce.

Leavitt's governorship was characterized by his leadership in various national and regional organizations. He served as chair of the Republican Governors Association from 1994 to 1995, the Western Governors Association from 1995 to 1996, the Council of State Governments from 1996 to 1997, and the National Governors Association from 1999 to 2000. His leadership roles in these organizations helped shape policies and foster collaboration among states.

In 2003, Leavitt resigned from the governorship after being nominated by President George W. Bush to lead the EPA. He was succeeded by his lieutenant governor, Olene Walker.

Policy focus and legacy

As the administrator of the EPA, Leavitt implemented higher standards for air quality, focusing on pollutants such as ozone and diesel fuels. He was involved in collaborative efforts to develop a federal plan aimed at cleaning up the Great Lakes and co-authored an environmental policy known as Enlibra, which sought to promote cooperative approaches to environmental management.

In December 2004, Leavitt was nominated by President Bush to serve as the Secretary of Health and Human Services, a position he held from January 2005 until the end of the Bush administration in January 2009. During his tenure, he oversaw the implementation of Medicare Part D, a significant expansion of prescription drug coverage for seniors. He also developed the National Pandemic Plan, which aimed to prepare the nation for potential health crises, and promoted value-based health care initiatives.

Leavitt's leadership extended to disaster response efforts, including his involvement in mitigating the effects of Hurricane Katrina. He played a role in opening FDA offices in various countries, including China and India, to enhance international cooperation on health issues. Additionally, he was involved in the reauthorization of the State Children's Health Insurance Program (SCHIP) and Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF).

After leaving public office, Leavitt transitioned into roles as a health care advisor, investor, and independent corporate director. In August 2021, he was appointed president of the Tabernacle Choir, further reflecting his ongoing engagement in public life and community service. Throughout his career, Leavitt has been recognized for his contributions to public policy, education, and health care reform, leaving a lasting impact on both state and federal levels.