The governor of Louisiana has hired a new CEO for the state’s health insurance program for employees and retirees – and it’s someone his predecessor fired.
Democratic Gov. John Bel Edwards has announced the hiring of Tommy Teague as CEO for the state’s Office of Group Benefits, according to a New Orleans City Business report. Teague will take the reins at the agency Dec. 12.
Teague has held the role before. He was CEO of the agency from 2006 to 2011, according to New Orleans City Business. But then-Gov. Bobby Jindal, a Republican, pushed to privatize parts of the agency – a move that Teague publicly questioned. Soon after, Jindal fired him.
Edwards’ commissioner of administration, Jay Dardenne, said in a statement that Teague was rehired because he had a “proven record of success in the agency.” Teague said he was “anxious to return to work,” according to New Orleans City Business.
He will replace Jindal appointee Susan West, whose resignation was announced earlier this month.
