Governor Matt Meyer Nominates Christen Linke Young as DHSS Secretary

STATE OF DE - Governor Matt Meyer has nominated Christen Linke Young to serve as the next Secretary of the Delaware Department of Health and Social Services (DHSS). The announcement was made today, naming Young as the successor to Secretary Josette Manning, who will depart on October 1 to become the State Director for U.S. Senator Chris Coons.

Young is a health policy leader with over 15 years of experience in both state and federal government.

"Delaware is facing unprecedented healthcare challenges from workforce shortages to affordability and accessibility," said Governor Matt Meyer. "Christen Linke Young is an accomplished leader who has spent her career in state and federal governments expanding access to care, lowering costs, and strengthening health and social service systems. I am grateful for Secretary Manning's dedicated service to Delaware, and I am confident Christen will continue that legacy of excellence."

Previously, Young served as Deputy Director of the White House Domestic Policy Council and Deputy Assistant to the President for Health and Veterans. In this capacity, she led the administration's health policy team, where she oversaw the implementation of the Inflation Reduction Act's drug pricing provisions.

Her work also contributed to record-high enrollment in the Affordable Care Act and the coordination of national strategies addressing the overdose epidemic, as well as mental and maternal health crises.

"I am honored by Governor Meyer's trust and excited about the opportunity to serve the people of Delaware," said Christen Linke Young. "At a time of great challenges and opportunities, I look forward to working with the Governor, the General Assembly, and the team at DHSS to deliver high-quality health and social services to every Delawarean."

Before her White House service, Young was the Deputy Secretary of the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services. She has also held senior positions at the U.S. Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, and during the Obama administration.

Additionally, she has been a Fellow at the Brookings Institution, where she produced research on health coverage and pricing.

Young earned a Juris Doctor from Yale Law School and a Bachelor of Science from Stanford University. Her nomination is now subject to confirmation by the Delaware State Senate.