To: Board of County Commissioners
From: Joshua Freeman, Director of Administration
title
RE: Administrative Health Officer Appointment
recommendation
BOARD ACTION REQUESTED:
Approval of the appointment of Michelle Estell as the Administrative Health Officer for Genesee County's Health Department.
BACKGROUND:
Genesee County's previous Medical Health Officer resigned in December 2023. Deputy Health Officer, Michelle Estell, became the Interim Health Officer at that time. She has continued to serve in that role until now. The State of Michigan reviewed her qualifications and approved her interim status until June of 2024, when their expectation was that a permanent Administrative Health Officer would be appointed. During that time, in discussions with the Chairperson of Human Services, it was determined that a request for her permanent appointment be brought to the Board for consideration.
DISCUSSION:
Previously, Genesee County operated with a Medical Health Officer. With the resignation of the previous Officer, it was suggested that this position be split into two positions as had previously been the practice here: Administrative Health Officer and a Medical Director. With the appointment of a Medical Director now underway (an appointment of the Health Officer per state law), we now need to appoint a permanent Administrative Health Officer. As was previously communicated, the State of Michigan has approved the interim status only through June 2024. With that deadline quickly approaching and coming from the recent pandemic, the Health Department needs stability within leadership. The current Interim Officer has been with the county for several years in various capacities including as Deputy Director of the department. Having been approved by the State to serve in this role, and with the support of the Human Services Committee Chairperson Winfrey, we recommend the her permanent appointment.
IMPACT ON HUMAN RESOURCES:
No further impact on HR with th...
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