LEXINGTON, Ky. (WKYT) – For the past 16 months, the Fayette County Board of Health has been searching for a new health director, and the search is still ongoing.
Maajid Jabbour is the new board chairman and says it's a vital role for the people of Lexington.
“This is really important,” said Jabbour, a former health administration official. “Lexington was one of the cities that wasn't hit as hard by COVID as other places because of strong leadership.”
But that consistent leadership is gone.
“Unfortunately, we had two commissioners who prematurely terminated their relationship with the health department,” Jabbour said.
Dr. Joel McCullough resigned in July 2022 after just over five months in the position. His successor, Dr. Sheila Owens Collins, began in January 2023 but was fired by April.
“It's not ideal,” Jabbour said. “What I always tell people is just keep doing your job and don't think about anything else.”
After more than two years, Lexington has had a permanent commissioner for less than three months. During that time, the coronavirus has continued to spread and the city has recently faced a whooping cough outbreak.
“Our operations, our ability to respond to everything that's going on, all of that has not been interrupted,” Jabeel said.
Still, Jabbour said the police department will continue to operate under an interim chief, while his committee works to find a long-term leader for the people of Lexington to ensure past mistakes aren't repeated.
“Someone with a public health background, who is inspirational,” Jabbour said of the qualities of the right candidate. “Someone who is a really strong leader, who is good at delegating and managing a large organization.” “We want to make sure we have the right fit.”
Jabbour added that due to recent changes in state law, candidates no longer necessarily have to be physicians, but said he is looking for passionate public health professionals.
Jabbour said there is no definite timeline, but the board hopes to have a new director elected by the end of the year. The board recently reposted jobs, streamlined the hiring process and is working with a staffing firm to achieve that goal.
Copyright 2024 WKYT. All rights reserved.
