Joe Leean | |
|---|---|
| 1st Secretary of the Wisconsin Department of Health and Family Services | |
| In office July 5, 1995 – March 10, 2001 | |
| Governor | Tommy Thompson |
| Preceded by | Richard Loring (acting) Gerald Whitburn (confirmed) |
| Succeeded by | Phyllis Dube |
| Member of the Wisconsin Senate from the 14th district | |
| In office January 7, 1985 – July 5, 1995 | |
| Preceded by | Gerald Lorge |
| Succeeded by | Robert Welch |
| Personal details | |
| Born | March 10, 1942 Iola, Wisconsin, U.S. |
| Died | February 2, 2022 |
| Political party | Republican |
| Spouse | Virginia "Ginny" Leean |
| Children | 3 |
| Residence | Waupaca, Wisconsin |
| Alma mater | Augustana College (B.A.) |
Joseph S. "Joe" Leean (born March 10, 1942) is an American businessman and retired Republican politician. He served as Secretary of the Wisconsin Department of Health and Family Services for seven years under Governor Tommy Thompson and was instrumental in the creation of BadgerCare, Wisconsin's state health insurance program.
Leean subsequently worked as a consultant to Thompson after his appointment as United States Secretary of Health and Human Services. Earlier in his career, he served ten years in the Wisconsin State Senate, representing the 14th Senate district.