Kohler has been involved in health care administration since 1979, rising through the ranks in DMAHS until 1993 when she joined the private sector. In 1996, she returned to state government as New York State's Medicaid director running the nation's largest program for four years. Kohler returned to New Jersey 's Office of Management and Budget in 2000 and was named DMAHS director in 2002.

“Ann has distinguished herself as a Medicaid expert within New Jersey and nationally,” said Acting Commissioner Velez, “and her financial expertise will help DHS capitalize on limited funding given New Jersey's delicate economic climate. We are lucky to have her guiding these areas as well as the Division of Disability Services. Ann is a trusted advocate for New Jersey's vulnerable residents, voicing their concerns before the state Legislature and Congress.”

During Kohler's tenure as Medicaid director, she has implemented programs to ensure that:

•  700,000 low-income residents have health care coverage;

•  Residents who are covered by both the state Medicaid and the federal Medicare programs received their prescription medications when the federal Part D drug program began in 2006; and

•  New Jersey maximizes its federal funding.

Medicaid's Guhl will continue in this vein, adding to his 22-year history with the division in budgetary and fiscal roles. Guhl, of Hamilton , received his Bachelor of Science degree in Mathematics and Master of Science degree in Management from Trenton State College, now The College of New Jersey.

Kohler, of East Windsor, received her Bachelor of Arts and her Master of City and Regional Planning degrees from Rutgers, The State University.