KALAMAZOO, MI (WKZO AM/FM) – The Kalamazoo County board is expected to approve Deb Lenz as their new director of public health.
Lenz is being promoted from being second in command to take over for her former boss, Jim Rutherford, who was recently hired away by the state of Michigan.
The job is mostly managing the ongoing operations that provide everything from restaurant inspections to health programs for young mothers, veteran services and the Agency on Aging as well.
The job takes on added responsibilities in a health emergency, as demonstrated when COVID-19 arrived, and extraordinary safety precautions were recommended.
Lenz says one of her goals is to improve efficiency and communications within the department.
“I work to breakdown silos to improve the communications that helps staff see how their work ties directly to our mission it means studying shared goals, stream working workflows, and holding collaborative team check-ins.”
She also wants to expand communications with the community so there is trust, should another health emergency occur.
“As health officer I will be a visible reliable communicator during routine operations as well as during crisis.”
She was asked how she would respond if there was another pandemic, and she told commissioners that she would base her decisions on what her education has shown her is best for the health of the county.
“The right answer might not be the answer that’s needed for everybody but where do you compromise in order to make the situation best for the majority of the population in which that emerging threat may occur.”
Lenz, who is currently the interim director, had to meet qualifications and be approved by the state of Michigan first.
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