Ohio Governor Mike DeWine seeks an innovative and dedicated physician and experienced health professional to serve as the next leader of the Ohio Department of Health (ODH). The Department’s nationally-recognized, coordinated, and aggressive response to COVID-19 and other public health issues has positioned Ohio to address future critical health priorities and create a stronger, healthier state for its citizens.
Appointed as a key member of Gov. DeWine’s cabinet and upon confirmation by the state legislature, the Director position has major executive responsibility for the design, development, and implementation of all public health programs in Ohio and is responsible for enforcement of all applicable federal and state statutes governing public health. The Director administers the department through executive-level personnel in major programmatic offices, administrative offices, and other specific functional areas in accordance with Ohio’s public health laws and rules.
ODH has approximately 1,200 dedicated employees who are responsible for developing and implementing all public health rules and regulations. The Director also maintains appropriate oversight and directs development for an operating budget of over $650 million per biennium, including federal grants and contracts, and assures fiscal accountability for all funds received and utilized by the agency.
The Director role is required to maintain continuous professional and executive contacts with Gov. DeWine’s office and other cabinet officers for purposes of policy execution. The role also requires continuous and ongoing professional interaction with associations, local public health officials and Ohio’s health commissioners, health care partners, and legislators when dealing with health matters in Ohio. Other duties include acting as the state’s agent to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the Consumer Product Safety Commission (USCPSC) and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) concerning all federal programs impacting health matters in Ohio, and having overall executive responsibility for all health records and vital statistics maintained by the department, including laboratory reports and diagnoses dealing with medical conditions and diseases.
The public-facing nature of the position requires a dynamic individual who can work closely with the state legislature on pressing public health issues involving the department and meet with interested parties to explain and advocate for departmental programs. The incumbent will be required to testify before the state legislature and deliver speeches to professional groups, constituents, the media, and the general public.
The preferred candidate will be a physician holding a degree of doctor of medicine from a medical college approved by the Ohio state medical board with substantial experience in practicing medicine in the state and who has experience in pursuing some phase of medical practice (population health, primary care, pediatrics, emergency medicine, or similar practice). Salary is negotiable. The position serves at the pleasure of the Governor and may require extensive travel and unusual hours.
Interested candidates may submit a resume or curriculum vitae to Ryan Burgess.