Board discusses options for health director amid interim appointment and continued recruiting for director of nursing

Board members discussed how to fill the health director role and described several options, including appointing a director of nursing or consolidating leadership across health and human services.

Amanda Holland told the board she had been speaking with the county manager and that the state prescribes educational guidelines for the health director role; she said staff has a call scheduled with the School of Government to explore options. "We have a call scheduled with the School of Government this week to further explore those options and figure out the best way for us to move forward in terms of appointing a health director," Holland said.

One board member cautioned against moving too quickly given the recent departmental consolidation and said the county should look at options for both the health and DSS director positions. Speaker 5 said they have been appointed as interim health director because they met qualifications but that they do not intend to continue permanently in the role.

Holland said the director of nursing position is posted (a repost) and has been open since at least October/early November; the county has not yet recruited a qualified candidate. Board members discussed whether a director of nursing who is qualified could serve as health director or whether a different structure would better combine managerial and clinical responsibilities.

No formal hiring decision was made at the meeting; staff said work will continue on recruitment and that the call with the School of Government is intended to clarify options and next steps.