Kitsap Public Health District recruiting next health officer
Kitsap County Washington sent this bulletin at 11/25/2019 11:56 AM PST
Nov. 25, 2019
Kitsap Public Health launches search for next health officer
Dr. Susan Turner will retire on July 31, 2020.
KITSAP COUNTY, WA — Kitsap Public Health District Health Officer Dr. Susan Turner will retire on July 31, 2020, after more than five years spent promoting and protecting the health of Kitsap County residents.
Dr. Turner announced her retirement plan to the Kitsap Public Health Board earlier this fall. The Health Board has authorized the Health District to begin recruiting for an experienced, passionate health officer to continue serving the Kitsap community.
“Dr. Turner brought to the health officer role a wonderful level of energy and can-do attitude,” Kitsap County Commissioner and Health Board Chair Robert Gelder said. “Dr. Turner has assisted the board greatly by helping us to think strategically about the health policy benefits and implications before us for consideration. For that, we are grateful. The Health Board appreciates the amount of lead time we have in finding her successor, as a smooth transition and hand-off is our No. 1 concern.”
Appointed by the Health Board, the health officer is a licensed physician responsible for enforcing public health laws, assessing, promoting and protecting the health of the community, and developing local public health policy. The health officer also participates in the Kitsap Public Health District’s executive leadership team.
Seamless transition expected
The Health District will advertise the health officer position nationwide. The Health Board expects to appoint a new health officer in early 2020. The Board and Dr. Turner envision that Dr. Turner will work alongside her successor for a period of time to ensure a seamless transition.
Dr. Turner has served as a health officer for local health departments for more than 25 years. She joined Kitsap Public Health in 2014 and has strengthened the Health District’s partnerships in the community, while championing public health initiatives, including Foundational Public Health Services, restricting smoking and vaping in public places, Tobacco and Vapor 21, and modernization of the Health District’s syringe exchange services program. Dr. Turner plans to retire with her husband in Hansville.
Tad Sooter | Public Information Officer Kitsap Public Health District 360-728-2330 - office | (360) 728-2235 - main pio@kitsappublichealth.org | kitsappublichealth.org
