Allegheny County officials announced in a press release Thursday afternoon that the Board of Health has formed a search committee to lead the work to hire a new director for the Allegheny County Health Department.
Co-chaired by Board of Health member Edith Shapira, M.D. and Heinz Endowments President Grant Oliphant, the nine-member committee will work with Krauthamer & Associates, Inc., a national executive search firm to identify appropriate candidates.
“The Allegheny County Health Department has made great strides under Dr. Hacker’s leadership. We achieved national accreditation, deepened staff expertise, pursued more robust enforcement in multiple areas, and developed an ambitious strategic plan,” said Shapira. “We are optimistic that we can recruit a new leader who will build on these accomplishments and ultimately further improve the health of the county.”
In addition to Shapira and Oliphant, the search committee includes three other Board of Health members and four community members:
Lee Harrison, M.D., Donald Burke, M.D.
Joylette Portlock, Ph.D.
Marc Cherna
Michelle Naccarati-Chapkis
Yvonne Cook
A. Everette James, III, JD, MBA.
The committee is seeking a driven, highly competitive professional eager to play a key role and have a large impact within a dynamic community. Their projected timeline to selection of a candidate is six months.
During the transition period, Ronald A. Sugar, Esq., Deputy Director of Administration, will serve as interim director of the Health Department. Ron has worked for the Health Department since 2014 and is responsible for its day to day operations.
His appointment has been approved by the state Department of Health. The position description for the director, as well as information regarding the application process, can be found online at: https://www.alleghenycounty.us/careers/index.aspx.
GASP Executive Director Rachel Filippini said she hoped the county would prioritize environmental health when selecting ACHD’s new leader.
“One additional way the county can show they are serious about improving air quality is to ensure the next health director will be a champion of clean air and not allow polluting companies to call the shots,” she said.