# Kathleen Sebelius > United States Secretary of Health and Human Services **Wikidata**: [Q27677](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q27677) **Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kathleen_Sebelius) **Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/kathleen-sebelius ## Summary Kathleen Sebelius is an American politician who served as the United States Secretary of Health and Human Services from 2009 to 2014, becoming a key architect of the Affordable Care Act under President Barack Obama. Previously, she served as the Governor of Kansas from 2003 to 2009, making her the first woman to hold that office. Born on May 15, 1948, she is known for her work in healthcare policy, state governance, and her trailblazing role as a female leader in American politics. ## Biography - **Born**: May 15, 1948 - **Nationality**: United States - **Education**: Trinity Washington University; University of Kansas - **Known for**: Serving as U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services; implementing the Affordable Care Act; serving as Governor of Kansas - **Employer(s)**: Obama Administration (Cabinet); State of Kansas; Trinity Washington University; University of Kansas - **Field(s)**: Politics; Healthcare Policy; Government Administration ## Contributions Kathleen Sebelius's most significant contribution was serving as the United States Secretary of Health and Human Services from 2009 to 2014, where she led the implementation of the Affordable Care Act (ACA), the most significant healthcare reform legislation in the United States since the creation of Medicare and Medicaid. During her tenure, she oversaw the expansion of health insurance coverage to millions of Americans and worked to modernize the healthcare system. Prior to her federal service, as Governor of Kansas from 2003 to 2009, she became the first woman to hold that position in the state's history. During her governorship, she focused on healthcare reform, education, and economic development in Kansas. ## FAQs **What positions has Kathleen Sebelius held in government?** Kathleen Sebelius served as the Governor of Kansas from 2003 to 2009, becoming the first woman to hold that office. She then served as the United States Secretary of Health and Human Services from 2009 to 2014 in the Obama Administration. **What is Kathleen Sebelius most known for?** Kathleen Sebelius is most known for her role as U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services, where she oversaw the implementation of the Affordable Care Act, and for being the first female Governor of Kansas. **Where did Kathleen Sebelius receive her education?** Kathleen Sebelius received her education at Trinity Washington University and the University of Kansas. **What was Kathleen Sebelius's role in the Obama Administration?** As Secretary of Health and Human Services in the Obama Administration, Kathleen Sebelius was responsible for implementing the Affordable Care Act, managing programs including Medicare, Medicaid, and the Children's Health Insurance Program, and overseeing the Department of Health and Human Services. ## Why They Matter Kathleen Sebelius matters as a trailblazer in American politics, being the first woman to serve as Governor of Kansas and later as a member of the President's Cabinet in the Obama Administration. Her implementation of the Affordable Care Act fundamentally transformed American healthcare, expanding coverage to millions of previously uninsured Americans and establishing essential health benefits and consumer protections. Her work influenced the direction of American healthcare policy and demonstrated the potential for federal-state collaboration in expanding access to care. As a female leader in top levels of government, she paved the way for women in political leadership roles and demonstrated effective governance in complex policy areas. ## Notable For - First woman Governor of Kansas (2003-2009) - United States Secretary of Health and Human Services (2009-2014) - Implementation of the Affordable Care Act - Member of the Obama Administration Cabinet - First woman to hold multiple high-level positions in Kansas state government ## Body ### Early Life and Education Kathleen Sebelius was born on May 15, 1948. She pursued her higher education at Trinity Washington University, a private Catholic university located in Washington, D.C., founded in 1897. She also attended the University of Kansas, a public research university established in 1864. Her educational background provided the foundation for her subsequent career in public service and politics. ### Political Career in Kansas Kathleen Sebelius began her political career in Kansas, where she held several significant positions in state government. She made history by becoming the first woman to serve as Governor of Kansas, holding that position from 2003 to 2009. During her tenure as Governor, she focused on key issues including healthcare reform, education improvement, and economic development initiatives for the state. ### Federal Service: Secretary of Health and Human Services Following her governorship, Kathleen Sebelius was appointed as the United States Secretary of Health and Human Services by President Barack Obama, serving from 2009 to 2014. In this role, she became a central figure in the implementation of the Affordable Care Act, the landmark healthcare reform legislation passed in 2010. As Secretary, she oversaw the Department of Health and Human Services, which is responsible for Medicare, Medicaid, the Children's Health Insurance Program, and numerous other health-related programs serving millions of Americans. ### Affiliations and Connections Kathleen Sebelius is connected to several significant institutions. She is affiliated with Trinity Washington University and the University of Kansas through her education. Politically, she was a member of the Barack Obama Administration Cabinet, which governed the United States from 2009 onward. Her career spans both Democratic Party politics at the state and federal levels. ### Digital and Academic References Kathleen Sebelius has a significant digital presence, with profiles on various platforms including Twitter (@sebelius). Her academic and professional credentials are documented in multiple databases, with various identification numbers across different systems. She is recognized in Wikidata with the identifier /m/027_y9 and has been the subject of biographical entries in major reference works. ## References 1. The International Who's Who of Women 2006 2. [Source](https://www.ohioswallow.com/extras/9780821417904_chapter_two.pdf) 3. SNAC 4. Encyclopædia Britannica Online 5. GeneaStar 6. Munzinger Personen 7. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013 8. Quora