Nick Lyon brings a wealth of policy, budget, and department operations expertise to his role as director of the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS). Lyon was named to the position effective April 10, 2015 by Gov. Rick Snyder when he created the new agency in February of 2015 by Executive Order. MDHHS is a merger of the former Michigan Departments of Human Services (DHS) and Community Health (MDCH). Previously, Lyon had served as MDCH director beginning in September 2014, when Gov. Snyder selected him to succeed James K. Haveman. The governor also appointed Lyon as interim DHS director to succeed Maura Corrigan, who retired Dec. 31, 2014. Prior to becoming MDCH director, Lyon served as the agency's chief deputy director beginning in 2011. In this role, he upheld the mission of the MDCH by overseeing the day-to-day operations of all of the department's administrations including Medical Services, which oversees the Michigan Medicaid program; Public Health; Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities; Policy and Planning; and Operations. Lyon brings leadership experience overseeing daily departmental operations, as well as representing the department with various stakeholders, the Michigan legislature, and community partners to his role as Director. He also oversees the department's interactions with the Office of Recipient Rights, the Michigan Developmental Disabilities Council, the Health and Human Service Office of Inspector General, the Autism Council, the State Child Abuse and Neglect Prevention Board, and the Human Trafficking Health Advisory Board. During his time at MDCH, Lyon has been involved in a number of key health initiatives including the successful implementation and management of the Healthy Michigan Plan, as well as the advancement of Health Information Technology in the state of Michigan. Previously, Lyon served as Deputy Director of the MDCH Operations Administration as well as the Deputy Director of the MDCH Health Policy and Regulation Administration. Prior to joining the MDCH, Nick served as the Director of the Office of Budget Development and General Government within the State Budget Office and as the Finance Officer for the Department of Attorney General. Through his previous experience, Lyon has a distinguished track record of success overseeing and crafting health policy and operations, finance and human resource, and budget development. Lyon is a 1990 graduate of Yale University where he earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Economics and Political Science.