Gov.-elect Snyder announced today the appointment of Olga Dazzo as the new director of the Michigan Department of Community Health (MDCH). At the news conference, Snyder stressed the importance of improving health care while driving down costs.

“There is an attitude that the only way to lower costs is to reduce the level of care. I reject that premise,” Snyder said. “Olga understands that the decisions she makes will directly impact the wellbeing of Michigan’s most vulnerable citizens, and she will always have an eye toward delivering services more efficiently so those who need treatment are able to get it.”

Dazzo is currently president and CEO of Health Reform Innovations LLC, a consulting firm focused on improving health and lowering costs. She previously served as vice president and executive director of Jackson Health Plans in Miami, Florida and as president and CEO of Physicians Health Plan at Sparrow Health System in Lansing.

She will focus on improving customer service by reaching out to underserved groups in an effort to lower costs and improve the health status of all Michigan residents.

Dazzo holds a B.A. in Accounting and a M.B.A. in Finance from Michigan State University. She is also fluent in Spanish.