BALTIMORE, MD (October 6, 2008) – Frances B. Phillips has been appointed Deputy Secretary for Public Health Services by Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (DHMH) Secretary John M. Colmers.  Ms. Phillips, who begins her new position on December 1, has been health officer in Anne Arundel County since 1993. 

“Fran Phillips is a passionate advocate for the health of the public and has a proven record at the local level of getting the job done," Secretary Colmers said.  “Maryland is fortunate to have such a strong public health leader join the DHMH leadership team." 

While serving as health officer, Ms. Phillips has implemented award-winning initiatives, including the REACH program that provides health care to the uninsured, and the Learn To Live wellness program that fights cancer and other chronic diseases.  She has concurrently served as health officer for the City of Annapolis and is an Associate in the Department of Health Policy and Management at the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health. 

"I am delighted to join Secretary Colmers' outstanding team and to assume a statewide public health role,” said Ms. Phillips.  “This is an opportunity to work with all of Maryland’s jurisdictions to protect and improve the health of our residents, and I look forward to the challenge."