Elizabeth Hertel Will Join The WinMatt Group

The former health department director will start her new strategic advisory role on October 1.

Updated on Sept. 24, 2026 in People

Isometric editorial illustration of clean stone building columns in deep blues and creams, representing a structural transition. — Former Michigan health director Elizabeth Hertel will join Lansing-based firm The WinMatt Group as a strategic advisor starting October 1. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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Former Michigan Department of Health and Human Services Director Elizabeth Hertel will begin working as a strategic advisor for The WinMatt Group on October 1, 2026. Hertel left her state government position in June 2026 and will not serve as a registered lobbyist.

Why it matters

The transition occurs amid evolving state ethics regulations following a new law signed by Governor Gretchen Whitmer in July 2026. This legislation introduces a two-year lobbying cooling-off period for certain officials, though the rule takes effect after the Governor leaves office.

The new state law establishes a 2-year cooling-off period for officials before they can register to lobby. This mandate contrasts with the prior lack of such restrictions for department heads.

The players

Elizabeth Hertel

She served as the Director of the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services from 2021 until June 2026.

The WinMatt Group

This is a Lansing-based lobbying firm that has hired Hertel as a strategic advisor.

Gretchen Whitmer

She is the Governor of Michigan who signed the recent lobbying reform legislation into law.

Michelle Lange

The former Director of the Department of Technology, Management and Budget left state service in January 2026 to register as a lobbyist for Dykema.

The details

Hertel will provide strategic counsel through her firm, EHSA LLC, which she formed in August 2026. The WinMatt Group, where she will serve as an advisor, is based in Lansing.

Hertel began leading the state health department in 2021.
Michelle Lange left state government in January 2026.
Hertel left her government position in June 2026.
Governor Whitmer approved the cooling-off period law in July 2026.
Hertel will begin her new job on October 1, 2026.

Market Landscape

This transition reflects the changing landscape of state-level influence as new ethics standards are implemented for government officials. It follows a trend of high-level personnel moves between public service and private firms in Michigan.

This hiring decision does not directly change retail pricing or household services for the average Michigan resident. It highlights how state-level leadership continues to shift between the public sector and private firms.

The takeaway

Career mobility between state government and the private sector remains a significant area of focus for Michigan regulators. Former officials are increasingly navigating new compliance landscapes as they move into advisory roles.