Aldona Wos

Aldona Zofia Wos (born March 26, 1955)[1] is a Polish-American physician and politician who has served in various positions at several U.S. government agencies and nonprofit organizations. She was the United States Ambassador to Estonia from 2004 until early December 2006, the fifth U.S. ambassador since the country regained its independence in 1991. From 2013 until 2015, she was Secretary of the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services. Since May 2017, Wos has served as vice-chairwoman of the President's Commission on White House Fellowships, which is tasked with reviewing candidates for White House fellowships.

Aldona Zofia Wos
Vice Chair of the President's Commission on White House Fellowships
Assumed office
May 1, 2017
PresidentDonald Trump
Preceded byCheryl Dorsey
North Carolina Secretary of Health and Human Services
In office
January 5, 2013 (2013-01-05) – August 5, 2015 (2015-08-05)
GovernorPat McCrory
Preceded byLanier Cansler
Succeeded byRick Brajer
United States Ambassador to Estonia
In office
August 13, 2004 (2004-08-13) – December 17, 2006 (2006-12-17)
PresidentGeorge W. Bush
Preceded byJoseph M. DeThomas
Succeeded byStanley Davis Phillips
Personal details
Born1955 (age 64–65)
Warsaw, Poland
NationalityPolish American
Political partyRepublican
Spouse(s)Louis DeJoy
ResidenceGreensboro, North Carolina, United States

Biography

Early life and medical career

Wos is the daughter of Wanda and Paul Zenon Wos.[2] Wos' father was part of the Home Army during the German and Soviet occupation of Poland in World War II and her Catholic family helped twelve Jews escape the Warsaw Ghetto. Wos' grandmother and aunts were imprisoned in Ravensbrück concentration camp, while her father and grandfather, Paul Wos, Sr., were held in Flossenbürg concentration camp[3][4][5] They survived to be reunited after the Allied Forces liberated the concentration camps. Aldona Wos was born in 1955[6] in Warsaw, where she lived until the age of six when her family moved to Long Island, New York.[4][5]

Wos earned a medical degree from Warsaw Medical Academy,[5]. While it is reported that Wos returned to New York to complete her residency and fellowship with a specialty in lung diseases.[7], the location for these clinicals programs are unknown. Wos practiced medicine in Manhattan for eighteen years.[8]

Political career

In 1997, Wos left her medical practice and moved to Greensboro, North Carolina with her husband Louis DeJoy, who was CEO of New Breed Logistics Inc.[5][9] from 1983 to 2014.[10] In North Carolina, she and her husband have organized and hosted fundraisers for a number of national and state-level political campaigns, and have been significant contributors to several Republican candidates.[11] Wos raised nearly $1 million for the campaign to elect Elizabeth Dole to the U.S. Senate in the 2002 elections[4] and served as vice chairwoman of George W. Bush's North Carolina fund-raising organization.[12]

In May 2002, Wos was appointed to a seat on the board of directors of the U.S. Holocaust Memorial Council.[4] President George W. Bush re-appointed her to second term on the council beginning in 2004.[13]

In June 2004, President Bush appointed Wos as the U.S. Ambassador to Estonia, for a three-year term.[8][12] She was sworn-in on August 13, 2004.[7] As ambassador to Estonia, she helped organize the state visit of President Bush to Estonia, which took place on 27th and 28 November 2006.[14] For her efforts in facilitating US cooperation with the Estonian police, she was awarded a special police medal, given to her by Raivo Aeg, the head of the Estonian Police.[15] She left her diplomatic post in December 2006.[7] Wos was succeeded by Stanley Davis Phillips who was sworn in on April 16, 2007.[16]

In March 2007, Polish President Lech Kaczynski awarded Wos the Commander Cross of the Order of Merit of the Republic of Poland.[17]

Wos was part of the second campaign to elect Pat McCrory as Governor of North Carolina. In May 2011, she hosted a luncheon for the Women for Pat McCrory in the lead-up to the former Mayor of Charlotte's announcement as a Republican candidate for the 2012 North Carolina gubernatorial election.[18] She later served as co-chairwoman for the campaign[19] and after McCrory's win, she was a part of his transition team.[20] In June 2012, Wos was appointed to the board of governors of the University of North Carolina by the state's Republican-controlled General Assembly.[21]

Secretary of North Carolina Health and Human Services

In December 2012, North Carolina Governor-elect Pat McCrory announced that Wos will be a member of his Cabinet as Secretary of the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS).[22][20] Wos declined her $128,000 salary and was instead paid a token $1.[23] On January 31, 2013, a performance audit was released, criticizing the previous administration's lack of record keeping concerning various funds, as well as naming other budgetary problems. Wos released her responses to the audit in an appendix, agreeing on all points with the auditor, including the conclusion that DHHS had consistently exceeded budgeted amounts for administrative costs due to lack of oversight by the previous administration.[24]

See also: North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services

When speaking to the General Assembly in February 2013, Wos laid out her department priorities as "Medicaid and information technology."[25] In April 2013, Wos announced the governor's plan to overhaul the Medicaid system in North Carolina which she and McCrory criticized as "broken". This early plan would have brought in a few "entities — likely including private companies — to function as insurance companies for Medicaid recipients." These entities would operate state-wide and serve as insurance plans from which Medicaid recipients can choose.[26] The plan faced criticism from healthcare professionals who were concerned that it would permit "out-of-state and for-profit providers to get a major foothold in North Carolina, rather than letting proven in-state and nonprofit providers, such as Community Care of N.C., take the lead".[27] At least one public health expert alleged that the Medicare crisis was contrived in order to justify privatization.[28] Additionally, an investigation in North Carolina Health News alleged that McCrory, Wos and Medicaid head Carol Stickel withheld information that would have shown that North Carolina Medicaid administrative costs were lower than those of most other states, rather than 30% higher as alleged by the McCrory administration.[29] The overhaul plan suffered an additional setback when the person hired to spearhead it, Carol Steckel, resigned in September 2013 to join the private sector.[30] The state chose not to implement the proposed plans.[31]

In July 2013, DHHS went live with its NCTracks system for managing Medicaid billings,[32] a system contracted in 2008 under the previous administration.[33] By October, the system was facing criticism from health care providers that were concerned that the system was not reimbursing them quickly enough.[32] In January 2014, an error in the system caused the private medical information of almost 49,000 children to be mailed to the wrong addresses.[34] Throughout 2013 and early 2014, DHHS worked to resolve glitches with the NCTracks Medicaid billing system. The department announced that the system was working effectively by July 2014.[35] Wos stated that she was disappointed that the state elected not to move forward with her proposal to reform the state's entire Medicaid program. By 2015, DHHS announced that the glitches in NCTracks were resolved, and Wos had "[convinced] the legislature of the need to invest in the state's medical examiner system."[31]

Also in the summer of 2013, DHHS began processing SNAP food stamp applications through its new integrated NC FAST system. Due to various glitches there were almost immediate delays in families receiving food stamps.[36] A number of food stamp recipients were forced to go to food kitchens while their benefits were processed.[37] The delays were very persistent, and on January 24, 2014, the United States Department of Agriculture sent a letter to Wos stating that as of that date, North Carolina had a backlog of 20,243 SNAP cases that had not been processed within the 30 day deadline required by US law. 11,493 of these cases were over 60 days old, 8,002 were over 90 days old, and 5,934 were over 120 days old. 8,963 of these cases were categorized as "hardship" cases, where the processing deadline is 7 days because the applicant has very little income.[38] USDA threatened to withhold funding from DHSS on March 12, 2014 if the agency did not come into compliance.[39] [40] On April 16, 2016, Wos announced, and USDA confirmed, that DHHS had come into compliance with federal timeliness guidelines.[41]

In August of 2013, Wos faced criticism for hiring two young former McCrory campaign workers, and giving them large pay raises at a time when McCrory had declared a salary freeze for state employees. 24-year-old Matthew McKillip was named Chief Policy Advisor to Wos, having worked for McCrory's campaign, and having previously served as a research assistant for eleven months at the conservative think tank, the American Enterprise Institute. McKillip received a $22,500 raise in April of 2013, bringing his salary to $87,500. DHHS Communications Director Ricky Diaz, also 24 and also a former McCrory campaign worker, received a $23,000 raise in April, bringing his salary to $85,000 per year.[42] Diaz resigned from the department in January of 2014.

Wos resigned on August 15, 2015, stating in a press conference that it was "simply time to go home" and spend time with her family. Asked by the press if she would "change any of the decisions that she made over a sometimes rocky tenure," she replied, "not at all." Wos was replaced by Rick Brajer, a former medical technology executive.[43] After being sworn in, Brajer asserted to the press that Wos' resignation was unrelated to the ongoing federal investigation into DHHS.[44] In August 2016, federal officials ended the investigations into employee and consultant contracts "with no finding of criminal wrongdoing".[45]

Although Wos' tenure as secretary earned criticism for issues such as computer glitches, McCrory praised how she "streamlined" the health care delivery systems. McCrory also praised Wos for the state's $130 million Medicaid budget surplus during her tenure, after years of major budget shortfalls. For her service to the state, McCrory awarded Wos with the Order of the Long Leaf Pine.[43]

2015 to present

In May 2017, President Donald Trump appointed her his vice-chairwoman of the President's Commission on White House Fellowships. The president uses the commission to interview and recommend candidates for White House fellowships.[46] In June 2019, she was considered for Ambassador to Canada.[47] Trump announced his intent to nominate her on February 11, 2020.[48] On February 25, 2020, her nomination was sent to the Senate.[49] Her nomination is currently pending before the United States Senate Committee on Foreign Relations.

Personal life

Wos and her husband Louis DeJoy have twin children, Ania and Andrew.[5] The family lives in Greensboro, North Carolina, in an Irving Park Neighborhood home,[50] which has been the location of several notable political fund-raising events.[20][51][52][53][54]

Wos has been involved in efforts to raise money for a number of non-profit organizations and private schools as well. She served on the board of the United Way of Greater Greensboro,[12] and has been involved with the Family Services of the Piedmont, Hospice and Palliative Care of Greensboro, and the Triad Stage Theatre.[17] She was also instrumental in raising the finances for the Greensboro Ballet gala, held in February 2011, to celebrate the 30th anniversary of the ballet company and school once attended by her children.[55] Wos and DeJoy also founded The Louis DeJoy and Aldona Z. Wos Family Foundation which awards several scholarships to students.[56] The foundation also hosts a professional–amateur golf championship as a prelude to the Wyndham Championship.[57][58]

References
  1. DOBSearch.com
  2. "Deaths Wos, Paul Zenon". The New York Times. 2013-12-04. Retrieved 2017-12-03.
  3. Tomaszewski, Irene; Werbowski, Tecia (2010). Code Name Żegota: Rescuing Jews in Occupied Poland, 1942-1945 : the Most Dangerous Conspiracy in Wartime Europe. ABC-CLIO. pp. 151–155. ISBN 9780313383915.
  4. Jeffries, Cynthia (October 12, 2002). "Activist Takes on Causes With Passion". Greensboro News & Record. Retrieved 2017-12-01.
  5. Williams, Matt (June 7, 2004). "Bush taps city woman as Estonia ambassador". Greensboro News & Record. Retrieved 2017-12-01.
  6. "Aldona Wos (1955- )". Office of the Historian, Bureau of Public Affairs. United States Department of State. Retrieved 2017-12-03.
  7. Mäekivi, Mirjam (December 4, 2006). "USA suursaadik Wos teatas Eestist lahkumisest". Postimees (in Estonian). Retrieved 2017-12-01.
  8. Siemaszko, Corky (June 9, 2004). "Envoy's Dad Saved Jews". NY Daily News. Retrieved 2017-12-01.
  9. Christensen, Rob (December 15, 2012). "McCrory picks outside the box for DHHS secretary". News & Observer. Archived from the original on January 1, 2013. Retrieved December 1, 2017.
  10. Arcieri, Katie (December 15, 2015). "Triad CEO retires from firm that bought his company, joins board of directors". Triad Business Journal. Retrieved 2017-12-01.
  11. Binker, Mark (October 16, 2006). "Getting ready for Bush visit". Greensboro News & Record. Retrieved 2017-12-01.
  12. Perkins, Allison (August 19, 2004). "Post is chance to carry on tradition, area woman says". Greensboro News & Record. Retrieved 2017-12-01.
  13. "Membership: Aldona Z. Wos, M.D." Council of American Ambassadors. Archived from the original on April 14, 2013. Retrieved December 1, 2017.
  14. "USA president George W. Bush saabus Eestisse". Postimees (in Estonian). November 27, 2006. Retrieved 2017-12-14.
  15. Kaldoja, Kerttu (December 15, 2006). "Politseipeadirektor tänas USA suursaadikut Aldona Wosi". Eesti Päevaleht. Retrieved 2017-12-01.
  16. Kamps, Mari (April 17, 2007). "USA uueks suursaadikuks Eestis saab Stanley Davis Phillips". Postimees (in Estonian). Retrieved 2017-12-01.
  17. Seals, Ryan (April 5, 2007). "Poland honors ex-envoy". Greensboro News & Record. Retrieved 2017-12-03.
  18. Binker, Mark (May 20, 2011). "McCrory prepping for 2nd run in '12". Greensboro News & Record. Retrieved 2017-12-03.
  19. Fain, Travis (July 12, 2012). "Ann Romney to visit Greensboro". Greensboro News & Record. Retrieved 2017-12-03.
  20. Fain, Travis (December 13, 2012). "Wos named DHHS secretary Wos to lead Human Services". Greensboro News & Record. Retrieved 2017-12-01.
  21. "Greensboro doctor named to UNC board". Greensboro News & Record. 2012-06-28. Retrieved 2017-12-03.
  22. Christensen, Rob (December 13, 2012). "McCrory begins naming administration members". News & Observer. Archived from the original on October 24, 2013. Retrieved December 1, 2017.
  23. Frank, John (January 11, 2013). "Gov. Pat McCrory gives his cabinet generous salary hikes". Winston-Salem Journal. Retrieved 2017-12-01.
  24. Wood, Beth A. (January 31, 2013). "Performance Audit" (PDF). State of North Carolina, Office of the State Auditor. Retrieved December 1, 2017.
  25. Hoban, Rose (2013-02-14). "DHHS Secretary Wos Lays Out Priorities to Legislators - North Carolina Health News". North Carolina Health News. Retrieved 2017-12-03.
  26. Fain, Travis (April 14, 2013). "N.C. tackles Medicaid reform". Greensboro News & Record. Retrieved 2017-12-03.
  27. Craver, Richard (May 16, 2013). "Wos: State in uncharted waters with Medicaid reform". Winston-Salem Journal. Retrieved 2017-12-03.
  28. Hoban, Rose (2013-10-09). "NC Health News: McCrory administration officials suppressed insight into Medicaid". Carolina Public Press. Retrieved 2020-08-06.
  29. Hoban, Rose (2013-10-08). "McCrory Administration Officials Suppressed Insight Into Medicaid". North Carolina Health News. Retrieved 2020-08-06.
  30. Fain, Travis (September 29, 2013). "Local legislator leads team looking at troubled DHHS". Greensboro News & Record. Retrieved 2017-12-03.
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  33. "DHHS' NCTracks Earns Certification from Federal Government". NC Department of Health and Human Services. April 12, 2015. Retrieved 2017-12-03.
  34. Associated Press (January 17, 2014). "N.C. tells USDA it will fix food stamp problems before April". Greensboro News & Record. Retrieved 2017-12-14.
  35. "Year after launch, NCTracks still getting mixed reviews from medical providers :: WRAL.com". WRAL.com. July 1, 2014. Retrieved 2017-12-03.
  36. "Many families not receiving food stamps after computer glitch". myfox8.com. 2013-07-19. Retrieved 2020-08-06.
  37. WRAL (2013-08-09). "Food Stamp Glitch Sends More Hungry to Food Kitchen". WRAL.COM. Retrieved 2020-08-06.
  38. Fitzsimon, Chris (2014-01-27). "Monday numbers". NC Policy Watch. Retrieved 2020-08-06.
  39. WRAL (2014-01-24). "USDA letter to DHHS, Jan. 23 :". WRAL.com. Retrieved 2020-08-06.
  40. WRAL (2014-01-24). "USDA issues more warnings to state health agency :". WRAL.com. Retrieved 2020-08-06.
  41. "NC DHHS Press Release: USDA Confirms DHHS Successfully Met Food Stamp Requirements". www.ncdhhs.gov. 2015-04-16. Retrieved 2020-08-06.
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  45. Blythe, Anne (August 12, 2016). "Criminal investigation into state contracts closes". The News & Observer. Retrieved 2017-12-03.
  46. Bonner, Lynn (May 2, 2017). "Aldona Wos, a former NC agency head, will help lead a White House commission for Trump". The News & Observer. Retrieved 2017-11-15.
  47. https://www.theglobeandmail.com/politics/article-trump-picks-former-bush-envoy-aldona-wos-as-next-ambassador-to-canada/
  48. https://www.cbc.ca/news/politics/aldona-wos-new-us-ambassador-canada-1.5460207
  49. "Eight Nominations Sent to the Senate", The White House, February 25, 2020
  50. Schlosser, Jim; Moffett, Margaret (August 10, 2005). "Newly renovated, it's a deal at $5.9 million". Greensboro News & Record. Retrieved 2017-12-03.
  51. "Top Bush aide Rove comes to Greensboro for GOP fund-raiser". Greensboro News & Record. September 15, 2005. Retrieved 2017-12-01.
  52. Killian, Joe (October 13, 2006). "Bush's visit to Greensboro set". Greensboro News & Record. Retrieved 2017-12-01.
  53. Battaglia, Danielle (October 6, 2017). "It could've been any other Friday in Irving Park — except Trump was coming". Greensboro News & Record. Retrieved 2017-12-01.
  54. Binker, Mark (October 1, 2008). "Palin to guest star at a fundraiser here". Greensboro News & Record. Retrieved 2017-12-01.
  55. DeCwikiel-Kane, Dawn (February 4, 2011). "All they want to do is dance". Greensboro News & Record. Retrieved 2017-12-03.
  56. "8 EMF students receive scholarships from Louis DeJoy and Aldona Wos Family Foundation". Greensboro News & Record. May 22, 2017. Retrieved 2017-11-15.
  57. Spencer, Turkin (August 17, 2016). "Country singer, N.C. native Eric Church hits the right notes at Sedgefield Country Club". Winston-Salem Journal. Retrieved 2017-11-15.
  58. Schlosser, Jim (August 14, 2017). "Schlosser's Shots: Amateurs help pros get Wyndham Week under way". Greensboro News & Record. Retrieved 2017-11-15.
Diplomatic posts
Preceded by
Joseph M. DeThomas		 United States Ambassador to Estonia
2004–2006		 Succeeded by
Stanley Davis Phillips
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