Gov. Kemp Appoints Dep. Chief of Staff to Lead Department of Community Health

Atlanta, GA – On June 22, Governor Brian P. Kemp announced his Deputy Chief of Staff for Operations, Caylee Noggle, would begin serving as the Commissioner of the Georgia Department of Community Health (DCH) on July 1. Current DCH Commissioner Frank Berry is retiring following decades of service to the state of Georgia in various capacities.

"I would like to thank Frank Berry for his twenty-six years of outstanding service in many different roles across state government," said Governor Kemp. "Frank's leadership, passion, and knowledge have served Georgia well and were invaluable during our fight against COVID-19. The Department of Community Health (DCH) is a vital state agency, serving nearly three million Georgians' healthcare needs and allocating a $17 billion dollar budget annually. Commissioner Berry guided DCH through unprecedented challenges during his tenure and has left the agency better prepared to meet challenges in the years to come. We wish Frank and his family the very best in the future!"

"Caylee Noggle has done a remarkable job throughout her service in state government - including in her integral role throughout the state's response to the COVID-19 pandemic," said Governor Kemp. "Caylee brings years of in-depth knowledge and management expertise to a complex state agency that will greatly benefit from her diverse experience and leadership. Georgians will be well-served by having her at the helm of DCH as the agency continues to deliver critical services to the people of our state."

Caylee Noggle is currently Deputy Chief of Staff for Operations in the Office of Governor Brian P. Kemp. Noggle most recently served as interim Chief of Staff to Governor Kemp, following her service as interim Chief of Staff at the Georgia Department of Public Health and Chief Management Officer for the Governor's Office. Before joining the Kemp Administration in January 2020, Noggle served as President, Interim President, Chief Operating Officer, and Chief Financial Officer for the Georgia Student Finance Commission. She holds a bachelor's degree from Millikin University and master's degree in College Student Affairs from the University of Arkansas at Little Rock where she served as a financial aid officer before moving to Georgia.

Noggle has previously served as Director of the Physical and Economic Development Division in the Governor's Office of Planning and Budget where she handled budget and policy oversight for more than twenty state agencies. She also served as Coordinator of First Year and Academic Support Programs at the University of West Georgia. She is a past recipient of GASFAA’s Outstanding Service to Students Award and NASPA’s Graduate and Professional Student Award.

Deputy Chief Operating Officer for the Governor's Office, Ryan Loke, will join Caylee Noggle at DCH as Deputy Commissioner and Chief Health Policy Officer, also effective July 1.

"As Healthcare Policy Advisor and later as Deputy Chief Operating Officer, Ryan Loke has served in several instrumental roles in the first two years of my administration," said Governor Kemp. "At DCH, Ryan will continue to spearhead our implementation of Georgia Pathways and Access as we work to provide quality, affordable healthcare for more hardworking Georgians. His passion for healthcare and experience successfully coordinating various aspects of our fight against COVID-19 will greatly benefit DCH and our state."

Ryan Loke is currently Deputy Chief Operating Officer in the Office of Governor Brian P. Kemp. Prior to this role, he served as the Governor's Health Policy Advisor. Before joining the Governor's Office, Loke worked in the private sector advising several Georgia-based companies on legislative strategy. He is a graduate of the University of Georgia with a degree in Political Science and is currently pursuing a graduate degree at the Emory University Rollins School of Public Health.

Effective July 1, Bert Brantley, currently serving as the Governor's Deputy Chief of Staff for External Affairs, will continue serving in a new role as the Governor's Deputy Chief of Staff.