RALEIGH ---  Governor Pat McCrory Wednesday announced the appointment of Rick Brajer as the new secretary of the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS). Brajer succeeds Aldona Wos, MD, who has served as secretary since January 2013.

“I want to thank Secretary Wos for her dedication and service over the last two and half years,” said Governor McCrory during an event at the Executive Mansion. “Under her leadership, the Department of Health and Human Services has undergone a dramatic transformation of efficiency and improvement. I am grateful for her role in making that happen.”

Under Secretary Wos’ leadership, North Carolina’s Medicaid program has finished with a cash surplus over the past two years. She has also championed improvements in mental health and substance use disorder services and was instrumental in helping complete the agreement with the City of Raleigh on the sale of the Dix campus.

Brajer comes to DHHS after decades of senior leadership roles in the healthcare and medical industry. He most recently served as Chief Executive Officer and Director of Pronerve, Inc. Before that, he served as the President, CEO and Director of Liposcience, Inc. from 2003 to 2013. Other previous leadership roles including president of BD Diagnostics and president of BD Preanalytical Systems.

“I am honored to be asked by Governor McCrory to serve North Carolina in this role,” said Brajer. “I look forward to continuing building upon the progress that Secretary Wos has made at DHHS during her tenure.”

“Rick Brajer brings a unique set of experience and skills to DHHS,” said Governor McCrory.“His background in healthcare and in business is the perfect fit for the department and the work that lies ahead.”

Brajer earned his B.S. in Chemical Engineering from Purdue University and his MBS from the Stanford Graduate School of Business. He and his wife have three sons. An avid long distance runner since high school, Brajer has been active in the community as chairman of Habitat for Humanity of Wake County, member of the Ravenscroft Board of Trustees, and board of directors of Communities in Schools of Wake County.

Brajer will begin his role as secretary on August 17.