By Tessa Roy, WPRO News
Eric Beane, Governor Gina Raimondo’s Secretary of Health and Human Services (EOHHS), will vacate his post by the end of the year.
Beane, who oversaw the state’s troubled UHIP benefits computer system, called his time as Secretary “the thrill of a lifetime.”
“Over the last four years, we have expanded access to high-quality health care, reduced the number of overdose deaths, controlled health care costs, strengthened DCYF and turned a corner on UHIP… I’m proud of our accomplishments and have deep faith that the Governor and her team will continue to build on that foundation. I will be forever grateful that Governor Raimondo has given me this opportunity to serve,” Beane said in a joint statement the governor.
Raimondo praised Beane’s work.
“I am deeply grateful for Eric’s four years of service to the people of Rhode Island. Because of Eric’s work, Rhode Island’s health and human services are undoubtedly stronger today than they were when I first took office,” she said.
Spokesperson Ashley Gingerella O’Shea said Beane has been with Raimondo’s administration “since the beginning,” and that this is a “natural transition time” as the governor enters her second term.
“For now, he is going to spend some time traveling and visiting with family and friends. Professionally, he is leaving his options open,” she said of Beane’s future.
Lisa Vura-Weis, a deputy chief of staff in Raimondo’s office, will serve as acting secretary while a search for Beane’s replacement is underway.
Prior to taking over as Secretary, Beane was the acting director of the Department of Human Services. Before that, he was a Deputy Chief of Staff and Chief Operating Officer in the Governor’s Office, overseeing a portfolio of social services.
