The federal health exchange that in its first year was plaguedwith problems and protest has a new leader, federal healthofficials announced Aug. 26.

Kevin Counihan, leader of Connecticut's exchange, will take thereins of HealthCare.gov in his new role as Marketplace ChiefExecutive Officer.

“We are building strong teams with the focus and know-hownecessary to advance our mission and deliver impact for the peoplewe serve,” HHS Secretary Sylvia Burwell said in a statement. “Weare committed to instilling ongoing accountability for reachingmilestones, measuring results and ensuring a successful openenrollment period.”

According to an HHS statement, in his new role, “Counihan willbe responsible and accountable for leading the federal Marketplace,managing relationships with state marketplaces, and running theCenter for Consumer Information and Insurance Oversight, whichregulates health insurance at the federal level. He will report toCMS Administrator Marilyn Tavenner.”

Connecticut's state exchange has been one of the most successfulin the nation, succeeding enrollment projections. Access Health CTsigned up about 79,000 people for coverage through Connecticut'sexchange, while another 120,000 gained Medicaid coverage. Since2012, the state's uninsured rate has been cut nearly in half, from7.9 percent to 4 percent.

Burwell created the executive position to HealthCare.gov in Juneas part of an effort to overhaul the troubled site ahead of thesecond enrollment period, which begins Nov. 15.

Burwell also named Lori Lodes, a senior vice president at theCenter for American Progress Action Fund, as the new director ofcommunications for CMS.