Kim VanPelt as New Snohomish County Health Department Director

Snohomish County Executive Dave Somers appointed Kim VanPelt as the new Health Department Director, effective October 20. VanPelt previously served as Deputy Director for Programming and Development at the Pima County Health Department in Arizona. Her work there involved community engagement, health equity, and maternal and child health initiatives. Dr. James Lewis highlighted her exemplary work in partnering with communities to advance public health and combat the opioid epidemic.

VanPelt's appointment follows a comprehensive national search involving input from county leadership and community partners. She replaces Dennis Worsham, who became the Washington State Secretary of Health. The Snohomish County Health Department, which employs about 200 people, focuses on various public health issues. Notable recent milestones include launching a mobile clinic and modernizing the county’s health code.