TACOMA, Wash.—With the worst of the COVID-19 pandemic behind us, Tacoma-Pierce County Health Department Director of Health Dr. Anthony L-T Chen will retire by the top of June of this 12 months.

Newly elected Board of Health Chair Catherine Ushka will lead a radical and strong nationwide recruitment effort for Chen’s successor. This week, Ushka will appoint a committee of Board of Health members who will rent an outdoor government recruitment agency via a clear request for proposal course of. The hiring course of will embody enter from group members and stakeholders, employees, and Board members. 

Ultimately, the Board of Health will suggest the brand new Director of Health to the Mayor of Tacoma and Pierce County Executive. The final step within the course of is for County and City Councils to substantiate the appointment. 

Chen is making the announcement now to permit time for the Board to seek out the perfect particular person for this essential function as chief well being strategist and well being officer for Pierce County.

“When I reflect on my time at the Department, I am especially proud of our work to create an innovative and leading local public health agency,” he stated. “COVID happened, and we were ready for it. We have plenty of work ahead of us to protect and improve the health of all people and places in Pierce County. I look forward to seeing where the next leader will take our local health department,” he stated.

Chen has earned reward for his work as an efficient group convener and his capability to construct sturdy partnerships with native well being techniques, the healthcare group, training, and lots of group organizations. He has strengthened the Department’s operational construction in fiscal sustainability, information and evaluation, communications, and others.

“For the past 14 years, our community has looked to Dr. Chen and staff to tackle complex challenges,” stated Ushka. “He has led a generation of innovative health policy and practice, pioneering new models of service delivery, bringing together community and leaders, and embedding compassion and care for all residents into everything we do,” she stated. “Dr. Chen can be proud that his legacy in Tacoma and Pierce County will serve generations to come.”

About Tacoma-Pierce County Health Department: Tacoma-Pierce County Health Department’s mission is to guard and enhance the well being of all individuals and locations in Pierce County. As a part of our mission, the Health Department tackles recognized and rising well being dangers via coverage, packages and remedy to guard public well being. We are one among roughly 244 accredited well being departments within the nation and amongst six within the state to have met or exceeded the Public Health Accreditation Board’s high quality requirements. Learn extra at tpchd.org.