To: Board of Supervisors of Sonoma County
Department or Agency Name(s): Department of Health Services
Staff Name and Phone Number: Barbie Robinson, 707-565-7876
Vote Requirement: Majority
Supervisorial District(s): Countywide
Title:
Title
Health Officer Appointment
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Recommended Action:
Recommended action
Adopt a resolution appointing Dr. Sundari R. Mase to the position of Health Officer for the County of Sonoma effective March 24, 2020.
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Executive Summary:
The Board of Supervisors appoints the County Health Officer in accordance with California Health and Safety Code Section 101000. The Health Officer reports to the Board through the Director of Health Services.
The County Health Officer provides leadership for the protection of public health, enforcement of public health regulations, and serves as an advisor to elected and appointed officials, members of the medical profession, and the public on matters affecting health and safety. The COVID-19 Pandemic exemplifies the importance and criticality of a well-qualified Health Officer who is knowledgeable in infectious diseases and demonstrates excellent leadership.
Dr. Sundari Mase has been functioning as the County’s Health Officer in recent weeks through a consultant relationship. This item requests adoption of a resolution appointing Dr. Sundari R. Mase, now as an employee, to the position of Health Officer for the County of Sonoma. If approved, Dr. Mase will begin her employment with Sonoma County effective immediately.
Discussion:
The Board of Supervisors appoints the County Health Officer in accordance with California Health and Safety Code Section 101000. The Health Officer reports to the Board through the Director of Health Services.
The County Health Officer provides leadership for the protection of public health, enforcement of public health regulations, and serves as an advisor to elected and appointed officials, members of the medical profession, and the public on matters affecting health and safety. The COVID-19 Pandemic exemplifies the importance of this role.
The County’s former Health Officer tendered her resignation and the Director of Health Services subsequently entered into an agreement with Dr. Mase to become the County’s Health Officer. Dr. Mase is an accomplished physician and epidemiologist. Dr. Mase is a certified internist, has a Master’s of Public Health with a concentration in epidemiology, holds several honors, and has held academic appointments. Her experience includes working as a Medical Officer specializing in Tuberculosis for the World Health Organization, and as a Medical Team Lead at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention focusing on Tuberculosis programs. Dr. Mase’s experience has covered national and international assignments.
Dr. Mase will continue her leadership for Sonoma County and the COVID-19 Pandemic, and will provide strategic direction and oversight of the County’s Public Health Division within the Department of Health Services.
The Health Officer position is a “classified” position as determined by the Sonoma County Civil Service Ordinance. In typical circumstances, a nationwide recruitment search would be conducted prior to an appointment. Given the public health crisis and the critical nature of this position, the County is using certain provisions in the Civil Service Rules to appoint Dr. Mase immediately.
Prior Board Actions:
None.
Fiscal Summary
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Narrative Explanation of Fiscal Impacts:
This position is already budgeted. There are no changed fiscal impacts with appointing a Health Officer.
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Narrative Explanation of Staffing Impacts (If Required):
None.
Attachments:
Resolution
Related Items “On File” with the Clerk of the Board:
None.