Former Health and Human Services Agency Secretary Kim Belshé has taken a new job as senior policy adviser with the Public Policy Institute of California, the nonpartisan think tank and polling outfit announced today.

The former Schwarzenegger administration official had previously served as deputy secretary of the Health and Welfare Agency and director of the Department of Health Services under Republican Gov. Pete Wilson. Belshé is also a member of the new California Health Benefit Exchange Board, which will create an insurance market to be used under the federal health care overhaul. She was appointed to that post by Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger.

The organization also announced that PPIC board member and retired Edison International Chairman and CEO John Bryson has been elected chair of its board of directors and that Northern Illinois University Center for Governmental Studies Director Robert Gleeson has been hired to as vice president of research.

"We are excited that these three dynamic and experienced leaders are taking on key roles at PPIC," says PPIC President and CEO Mark Baldassare said in a statement. "Their talents will be invaluable in our efforts to improve public policy and shape a better future for California.

Read more: http://blogs.sacbee.com/capitolalertlatest/2011/03/former-hhs-secretary-kim-belshe-joining-ppic.html#ixzz1Ia4TMgbN