Health Services Department Leadership Changes

A Statement from Jessica Pyska, Chair of the Lake County Board of Supervisors

Lake County, CA (September 13, 2023) – Yesterday at 5:01pm, the Lake County Board of Supervisors emerged from Closed Session to take two actions.  Our Board unanimously acted to: 1) terminate Jonathan Portney as Health Services Director, effective immediately; and 2) appoint County Administrative Officer, Susan Parker, Interim Health Services Director.   

We are grateful to Mr. Portney for his service to County residents since January of 2022, and wish him great success in the next phase of his career.  No further comment will be provided, as Mr. Portney’s separation from County employment is a confidential personnel matter.

The County Administrative Office’s Human Resources Division has already begun the process to recruit for Lake County’s next Health Services Director, and a Job Announcement will soon be available.  

As with all Board-appointed Director-level County roles, this recruitment will be far-reaching, in the interest of attracting the highest quality applicants.  We hope to identify a Director who can be a long-term fit.

Noemi Doohan, MD, PhD, MPH, was ceremonially sworn in as Public Health Officer yesterday afternoon.  Dr. Doohan has been working hard to get acquainted with Health Services staff and programs since September 1.  Her medically-focused leadership will be invaluable during this time of transition.  

County Administrative Officer Parker looks forward to partnering with Dr. Doohan and the full Health Services team in the coming weeks.

Promoting the well-being of every County resident is among our Board’s highest priorities.

We remain committed to continually striving to strengthen our workforce and the health and other services the County provides.

Jessica Pyska, Chair, Lake County Board of Supervisors

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