ATLANTA — Gov. Brian Kemp announced Monday that Dr. Dean Burke will take over as Commissioner of the Georgia Department of Community Health (DCH) following the departure of current Commissioner Russel Carlson, who is leaving for a private sector position.
“Given his extensive background in medicine and healthcare policy, [Burke] is uniquely qualified to fill this role at a pivotal time,” Kemp said in a statement. “I’m confident he will demonstrate the same level of commitment as commissioner that he has shown throughout his many years of public service.”
Burke, a longtime OB-GYN and former state senator, currently serves as Chief Medical Officer at DCH. In that role, he has overseen the State Health Benefit Plan, the State Office of Rural Health, and advised agency leaders on healthcare policy and quality improvement.
Before joining the department, Burke represented Senate District 11 and held key leadership roles on multiple committees, including Health and Human Services and Appropriations. He also served five years on the Bainbridge City Council and led regional hospital and healthcare efforts in southwest Georgia.
Burke practiced obstetrics and gynecology for 27 years in rural Georgia. He and his wife, Thea, live in Bainbridge and have two children and three grandchildren.
Gov. Kemp also thanked outgoing Commissioner Russel Carlson for his leadership, particularly during the launch of the Georgia Pathways to Coverage program. Burke will take over as commissioner effective August 1.
