Michael Leavitt - Definition

Michael Okerlund Leavitt (born February 11, 1951) is an American politician, who is currently the Secretary of Health and Human Services. He was the 14th Governor of the state of Utah, a Republican. He was first elected in 1992, then he was re-elected in 1996 (with the largest vote total in state history), and in 2000 became only the second governor in Utah history to be re-elected to a third term. After 11 years as Governor, Leavitt resigned his office on November 5, 2003. He was sworn in as the 10th Administrator of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency the following day.

Born in Cedar City, Utah, Leavitt graduated with a bachelor's degree in economics and business from Southern Utah University and married Jacalyn Smith. They are the parents of five children.

On August 11, 2003, Governor Leavitt was nominated by President George W. Bush to be the Administrator of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. He was confirmed to this office on October 28, 2003 by a vote of 88-8 in the United States Senate. Leavitt also serves on the Homeland Security Advisory Council.

On December 13, 2004, Leavitt was nominated by Bush to succeed Tommy Thompson as Secretary of Health and Human Services and was confirmed by the Senate by voice vote on January 26, 2005.

External link

• Official biography (http://www.epa.gov/adminweb/adminbio.htm)