EVERETT—Snohomish County Executive Dave Somers has appointed Kim VanPelt as the new Health Department Director.
VanPelt comes to Snohomish County from Tucson, Arizona, where she served as Deputy Director for Programming and Development at the Pima County Health Department since 2022. Her work there included oversight of community engagement, health prevention and promotion, public policy, health equity, maternal and child health, built environment, community mental health, substance misuse, injury and violence prevention, and workforce development programs in a county with more than a million residents.
“Kim VanPelt brings a wealth of experience overseeing a diverse body of work, building community engagement, and leading the planning and evaluation of strategic goals,” Snohomish County Executive Dave Somers said. “Our public health professionals work every day to keep people safe and healthy. Their efforts locally and regionally are especially important right now. I am excited for Kim to lead that team here in Snohomish County.”
Prior to her role with the Pima County Health Department, VanPelt spent six years as Chief Regional Officer for First Things First, a statewide organization in Arizona that funds early learning and health programs focused on helping young children grow and thrive. She’s also held roles focused on health policy and advocacy, planning and evaluation, and community outreach and engagement in the public and nonprofit sectors. VanPelt is award-winning in her work on community advocacy and championing children’s health initiatives. She earned a Masters degree in Public Administration from the Nelson A. Rockefeller School of Public Affairs at the State University of New York at Albany, along with Bachelors degrees in Economics and History from Arizona State University.
“I am excited to join the County team and to work collaboratively with community partners to improve health for Snohomish County residents,” VanPelt said.
She starts October 20, taking on the role about three months after former Director Dennis Worsham moved into a new job as the Washington State Secretary of Health.
VanPelt’s appointment follows an extensive national search and a multi-step hiring process that relied on input from County leadership, Health Department staff, and community partners.
“She brings incredible experience and connections, and has a long history of health equity work and increasing access to health services,” said Dr. James Lewis, Snohomish County Health Officer. “Her work partnering with communities to advance public health is exemplary and her efforts leading response to the opioid epidemic is a great match for Snohomish County. She also has the background and skills to help us navigate these challenging times for public health.”
With about 200 employees, the Snohomish County Health Department has programs focused on communicable diseases and notifiable conditions, chronic diseases and injuries, septic and land use, food safety, family and child health, vital records, health care access, and ongoing critical public health issues. Formerly the Snohomish Health District, local public health integrated into Snohomish County government as a department at the start of 2023. Since then, notable milestones have included the launch of the Health on Wheels mobile clinic van, renovating and reopening an on-site clinic in the Health Department building in Everett, modernizing the county’s health code, improving access to health data, and developing a community-informed strategic plan.
The Snohomish County Council confirms Executive appointees for department directors. A Council decision on confirmation of the new appointee is expected at an upcoming meeting.
Source: Snohomish County Executive Office
Author: Lynnwood Times Staff
