State Health Chief Stepping Down, Gov. Deal Names Successor

Commissioner Cook could not be reached for this story, but Brian Robsinson, Gov. Nathan Deal’s spokesman, said it was Cook’s decision to take the Senate job.

“It was a job that was appealing to David and he pursued it and that ended up working out. Of course, David has a history with the Senate. He worked there before he was Governor Deal’s first congressional chief of staff so there’s a history there with him and a sort of return to that home.”

To fill Cook’s position, Deal is tapping Clyde Reese, the current head of the Department of Human Services, which oversees child welfare and support services, among other programs.

Robinson touted Reese’s experience, which includes a year as interim director of DCH.

“I think if anyone can step in during a time of transition, during a time of big decisions, it is someone that’s served in the job before.”

Some political insiders say Cook fell out of favor with Gov. Deal during the recent debate over renewing the hospital bed tax. Deal backed a final agreement that transferred the taxing authority from the legislature to the DCH board, which the governor appoints. If in the future DCH wants to increase the hospital tax above a certain level, it can, but the legislature can override the decision. Cook reportedly opposed legislative oversight, believing DCH should have sole authority over the tax.  

Robinson, speaking for the governor, reiterated Cook is leaving DCH on his own terms.  

“If there was a disagreement, that is between the two of them alone and it’s not something I’m going to discuss. We are parting, for the most part, on good terms and we will continue to work with Commissioner Cook in his new capacity.”

The governor’s appointment of Clyde Reese is pending DCH board approval. It’s expected to come this month.