Paul Allwood is the new Deputy County Manager of Health and Wellness. The Service Team is made up of Social Services, Financial Assistance Services, Public Health, Community Corrections, Healthcare Services, Veterans Services and Community Human Services Administration. In 2018, the Health and Wellness Service Team accounts for 49 percent of the county’s budget. 

Allwood is currently Assistant Commissioner at the Minnesota Department of Health, where he oversees the Health Protection Bureau composed of the divisions of Environmental Health, Infectious Disease Epidemiology Prevention and Control, and the Public Health Laboratory. He will assume his new position at Ramsey County on December 26, reporting to County Manager Ryan O'Connor. 

“We are very happy to bring Dr. Allwood aboard with us in this critical role at Ramsey County,” said O'Connor. “His extensive background in Public Health at the local, state and national levels as a leader and educator will serve both our organization and our communities very well. Dr. Allwood recognizes that health is a primary aspect of overall well-being, and I know he will effectively work with a diverse array of leaders, staff and community members to build healthier and more equitable outcomes for individuals and families across Ramsey County.”

Prior to becoming assistant commissioner, Allwood was director of Occupational Health and Safety at the University of Minnesota. Before that, he served as assistant professor in the Division of Environmental Health Sciences and assistant director of Public and Occupational Health at the University of Minnesota.

"I'm excited to contribute my knowledge and experience to the dedicated team of 2,100 professionals in the Health and Wellness Service Team," said Allwood. "I am inspired by Ramsey County’s commitment to health and racial equity and I look forward to serving on the Executive Team to help guide the future direction of service delivery for our residents, businesses and other stakeholders."

Allwood has served in a variety of public health roles throughout his career including entomological assistant, public health inspector, environmental health specialist, sanitarian, environmental health supervisor, and epidemiologist principal. He has worked for national, state, and local public health agencies. 

Allwood received his Ph.D. and Master of Public Health degrees in environmental health and a Bachelor of Science in public health and life science from the University of Minnesota. He lives with his wife Sophia in Shoreview.

Contact
John Siqveland, Public Communications Director, 651-746-9250