Iowa State alumnus and Des Moines physician Stephen Gleason was recently appointed director of the Iowa Department of Public Health.

“Gov. [Tom] Vilsack stopped me at the inaugural ball and asked if I was interested — I was shocked,” Gleason said.

He said his experience in management, public health, health care and prevention qualify him for the position.

John Norris, chief of staff in the governor’s office, said Vilsack chose Gleason for the position based on his extensive experience.

“The governor has known about Gleason for years and has respected his ability in public health, especially with his success with the Clinton/Gore administration and the Catholic Health Initiatives,” Norris said.

Gleason graduated from ISU in 1971 with a bachelor’s degree in zoology. He continued at the University of Osteopathic Medicine and Health Sciences in Des Moines, where he earned a doctorate in osteopathy. Harvard University has certified him in executive program in health systems management, and he also is a Ph.D. candidate at Washington University in Pennsylvania.

Some of his past jobs include CEO of Mercy Clinic in Des Moines, White House health adviser to President Clinton and senior medical adviser for Medicare.

“The governor looks for someone to further the agenda and initiatives that he has. Gleason is a big thinker, is very smart and he gets things done,” Norris said. “The governor appreciates this.”

Gleason said he is looking forward to his new job.

“I’m excited to take on this new role and work with Gov. Vilsack,” he said. “He’s a wonderful person.”

This position will cause a significant change in his lifestyle, Gleason said.

“I don’t enjoy traveling and being away from my family,” he said. “With this past job, I was all over the country for Catholic Health Initiatives.”

Gleason said he looks forward to being in Iowa and “working for Iowa and children’s health.”

He also will focus on tobacco, alcohol and drug abuse, he said.

The Iowa Senate will vote Tuesday on confirmation of Gleason’s appointment as director of the Department of Public Health.