Former Democratic party leader and governor of Vermont Howard Dean has returned to the private sector, signing on with a law firm and will consult on alternative energy and healthcare issues.

Dean, a physician who ran for president in 2004, will work with McKenna Long & Aldridge of Washington, D.C. Dean had hoped to be appointed Health and Human Services Secretary in Obama administration, a job that went to Kansas Governor Kathleen Sebelius.

Not to take anything away from Sebelius, but the energetic and outspoken Dean and his medical knowledge would have been a great fit for HHS. It is surprising that there was no room in the Obama administration for Dean, but the government's loss is the alternative energy sector's gain.

Instead Dean will "provide guidance to clients, particularly in the areas of healthcare and alternative energy resources," according to his new employer.

"After a long career in public office, I look forward to the opportunity to turn some attention to working with the private sector, particularly in the areas of health care and alternative energy -- while supporting an agenda of fiscal responsibility," said Dean, in a press release.