Van Mitchell

Van T. Mitchell (born November 28, 1955) is an American politician who served as the Secretary of the Maryland Department of Health from 2015 to 2016. A member of the Democratic Party, Mitchell previously served as the principal deputy secretary of the Maryland Department of Health from 2004 to 2007 and as a member of the Maryland House of Delegates from 1995 to 2004.

Early life and education Mitchell was born in La Plata, Maryland, on November 28, 1955. He graduated from La Plata High School before attending Campbell University.

Career Mitchell was the chief executive officer of MSI Inc., a construction supply business, from 1985 to 2006. After Governor Bob Ehrlich left office in 2007, Mitchell worked as an associate for Manis, Canning and Associates from 2008 to 2015, and as a lobbyist for Cornerstone Government Affairs since 2017. He resigned from office early after Governor Bob Ehrlich appointed him as principal deputy secretary of the Maryland Department of Health in September 2004.

Maryland Department of Health On December 23, 2014, Maryland Governor-elect Larry Hogan appointed Mitchell to be his Secretary for the Department of Health and Mental Hygiene. Mitchell's appointment was confirmed by the Maryland Senate on February 13, 2015, and he was sworn in later that day. and oversaw the state's response to a capacity crisis at state hospitals from mid-to-late 2016.

On December 15, 2016, amid pressure from state legislators to more promptly care for criminal defendants awaiting psychological evaluations, Mitchell resigned as Secretary of Health effective immediately to "pursue opportunities in the private sector". He was succeeded by Dennis Schrader, who previously served as Governor Hogan's appointments secretary.

In August 2019, Maryland Senate President Thomas V. Miller Jr. and House Speaker Adrienne A. Jones named Mitchell to serve as the chair of the Maryland Prescription Drug Affordability Board. Mitchell stepped down from the board in August 2026, and was succeeded by Bonnie Cullison.

Personal life Mitchell is married and has two children.