Tommy G. Thompson

Tommy G. Thompson is a BPC senior fellow and co-chairs its Long-Term Care Initiative. He is the chairman and chief executive officer of Thompson Holdings, and former secretary of the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and four-term governor of Wisconsin.

As governor from 1987-2001, Thompson built a national reputation for his groundbreaking work in rebuilding Wisconsin’s economy, enacting the first welfare-to-work law, offering school choice to students in Milwaukee, and providing health care to working families who could not afford health insurance.

As HHS secretary from 2001-05, Thompson led the administration’s successful passage and implementation of the Medicare prescription drug benefit for America’s seniors. He led the effort to reinvigorate the nation’s public health infrastructure by providing states and communities the resources they need to respond to terrorist attacks or other public health emergencies. Additionally, he launched a national campaign to encourage families, businesses, and communities to lead healthier lifestyles. And as chairman of the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria, Thompson led the United States’ efforts to stem the spread of HIV/AIDS around the world.

After leaving public office, Thompson joined the private sector and expanded his efforts to develop innovative solutions to the health care challenges facing American families, businesses, communities, states, and the nation as a whole. These efforts focus on improving the use of information technology in hospitals, clinics, and doctors’ offices; promoting healthier lifestyles; strengthening and modernizing Medicare and Medicaid; and expanding the use of medical diplomacy around the world.

He currently serves on the board of directors of Centene Corporation; C.R. Bard, Inc.; United Therapeutics Corporation; Cytori Therapeutics, Inc.; and TherapeuticsMD, Inc.