Steve Corsi, CEO of the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services. (Courtesy of Nebraska DHHS)
Following two hours of debate, the Nebraska Unicameral approved Dr. Steve Corsi to be the next CEO of the state’s department of Health and Human Services.
Corsi was appointed to the position by Governor Jim Pillen last August, in between legislative sessions, after previous CEO Dannette Smith resigned in July. His appointment was controversial among some lawmakers, who expressed concerns regarding Corsi’s past employment in Missouri and Wyoming, as well as certain social media re-posts and posts he “liked” on his Twitter account.
These subjects were discussed at length Monday on the floor of the Legislature.
State Senator Machaela Cavanaugh of Omaha, who championed concerns over Corsi as far back as his February confirmation hearing, distributed an executive summary packet to colleagues during debate which laid out findings compiled by her and her staff.
“The Dept. of Health and Human Services is the largest public service agency in the state. Therefore, the appointment of its leadership requires crucial scrutiny to ensure smooth operation of the agency,” the summary began.
According to the packet, Corsi’s previous employment shared a closer pattern to the Utah based consulting firm Epiphany Associates LLC than was previously disclosed.
Corsi was previously the Director of the Wyoming Department of Family Services from 2011-2017. The state of Wyoming contracted with Epiphany in 2015. Corsi also maintained a consulting job for ‘Snowy Range Institute’ during his time as Director.
Additionally, Corsi’s oversight ability was called into question as he claimed to have “no knowledge” of a full body restraint chair that was purchased for the Wyoming Boy’s School in 2016.
From 2017-2019, Corsi was the Director of the Missouri Department of Social Services. The state of Missouri contracted with Epiphany in 2017 and 2018. Corsi received scrutiny during his time in Missouri as he received compensation both the Department of Social Services and the Department of Health and Senior Services.
Following his employment in Missouri, Corsi worked as the President/CEO of the social service organization ‘Volunteers of America Western Washington’ from 2019-2022. The organization contracted with Epiphany from 2019-2021.
Gov. Pillen hired Epiphany as a consultant in 2023 with the intention of slimming down government spending.
“Corsi’s financial gain from his connections with Epiphany is unclear and ambiguous,” the report reads.
The personal beliefs of Corsi’s expressed through social media were also outlined. He defended likes and reposts that expressed, for example, abortion is not health care, homosexuality is a sin, and the only race is human.
In light of these findings, lawmakers spent the morning session debating whether any these disqualified Corsi from the DHHS head position.
Sen. Danielle Conrad of Lincoln questioned, “If there are equally qualified candidates available, why shouldn’t we choose one of those, instead of a candidate that does have significant political baggage?”
“The governor deserves to have his team for which he will be accountable… hopefully in a positive outcome for the good state of Nebraska,” argued Sen. Merv Riepe of Ralston, a former hospital administrator, who acknowledged his colleagues concerns.
Stating he appreciated Sen. Riepe’s line of reasoning, Sen. John Cavanaugh of Omaha said he was still skeptical. In reference to the purchase of the restraint chair, Cavanaugh said, “I don’t know if we want somebody at the top whose response and reaction is ‘Not my fault. I wasn’t paying attention.'”
Sen. Ben Hansen of of Blair, chair of the Legislature’s Health and Human Services Committee, said he had been please with Corsi’s leadership so far.
“I like the direction of where Dr. Corsi’s taking this department. His ability to communicate with us, be in our office when we need to, just like he’s met with almost everybody here on the floor,” Hansen said on the floor.
Corsi was confirmed 28-8, he needed 25 votes to be confirmed. Democratic State Sen. Mike McDonnell of Omaha joined legislative conservatives in voting to confirm Corsi.