SNOHOMISH COUNTY—The search for a new Health Department Director begins today, June 27.
Dennis Worsham, the current director, is departing to take up the role of Washington State Secretary of Health, as announced by Governor Bob Ferguson earlier this month. Worsham will assume his new position on July 7. In a message to Health Department staff, he praised the Snohomish County public health team as passionate and resilient.
“Together, we’ve navigated challenges, built solutions, and strengthened the foundation of health justice in Snohomish County,” he wrote.
Serving over 850,000 residents in the fastest growing county in Washington state, the Snohomish County Health Department employs around 200 staff members and runs programs addressing communicable diseases, chronic conditions, injuries, septic and land use, food safety, family and child health, vital records, health care access, and pressing public health concerns.
Previously known as the Snohomish Health District, the organization became a new department within Snohomish County government in early 2023. Since then, key achievements include launching the Health on Wheels mobile clinic van, renovating and reopening an on-site clinic at the Health Department building in Everett, updating the county’s health code, enhancing access to health data, and creating a community-driven strategic plan.
The County is looking for a leader to sustain this progress and guide a committed team of public health professionals. The position was posted today, with the initial application review expected on July 11.
“We’ve been working with leadership in the Health Department on a thoughtful and community-focused strategy for finding and hiring the right person in this role,” said Snohomish County Executive Dave Somers. “Public health is essential to the safety and wellness of our communities, and the new director will have my support in that important work.”
An open and competitive hiring process is scheduled for July and August, with the timeline for appointing a new director depending on the outcome. In the interim, the Health Officer and the Health Department’s Deputy Director will oversee the department.
Author: Mario Lotmore
