Paul R. Jacobsen

Jacobsen began his public health career as a member of the Board of Health in his hometown of Millis Massachusetts on which he served for 11 years. In addition to his local service, he is past president of the Massachusetts Association of Health Boards a former executive board member of the National Association of Boards of Health, and the Association of State Territorial and Local Health Liaisons. He has served on numerous state and national environmental and public health committees.

Jacobsen joined the United States Department of Health and Human Services in February 2003 as the Executive Officer for the Office of the Secretary, Region One. As the principal advisor to the Secretary’s Regional Director, he serves as the point of contact for all local, county, state, federal and tribal governments and officials.

Previous to his service at Health and Human Services, Jacobsen was appointed Chief Secretary to Massachusetts Governor Jane Swift. As the senior member of the Governor’s cabinet, Jacobsen was responsible for recruitment and placement of over 3300 Management appointee’s within state government and placement of gubernatorial appointees to 1200 boards and commissions. He also served as principal advisor to the Governor on policy and political matters. Jacobsen also served in tandem with the Director of Commonwealth Security as the principal advisor to the Governor on all issues related to emergency response and readiness.

In addition to his tenure as a cabinet Secretary, Jacobsen served for a decade at the Massachusetts Department of Public Health. Beginning as a housing specialist in the Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention Program, he rose through the ranks to hold positions as Director of Legislative Affairs, Assistant Commissioner of Policy and Planning and ultimately serving as Deputy Commissioner for four years. As the Chief Operating Officer for the 3000 employee, $700 million budget agency he was responsible for the development and implementation of the Department’s vision and intent around mission, goals, organizational and policy issues.

Jacobsen is currently the Millis Town Moderator and Chairman of the Millis Local Emergency preparedness Committee he served four terms as an elected member of the Board of Health and three terms as a member of the Board of Selectmen in his hometown of Millis Massachusetts.