Marilyn B. Tavenner, Secretary of Health and Human Resources
Marilyn Tavenner was appointed Secretary of Health and Human Resources in January of 2006, by Governor Tim Kaine. She began her career as a nurse, working in critical care and emergency department settings.
Most of Marilyn’s career was spent with the Hospital Corporation of America (HCA). She started as a Staff Nurse and then became CEO of both Johnston-Willis and Chippenham hospitals, finishing her service to HCA as Group President of Outpatient Services in Nashville, Tennessee. She also served as Chairman of the Virginia Hospital Association and was a member of the Board of Trustees of the American Hospital Association.
Marilyn’s community interests include the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation and the March of Dimes. A long time native of Virginia, she received both her Bachelor of Science in Nursing and Masters in Health Administration from Virginia Commonwealth University. She is also a Fellow with the American College of Healthcare Executives.