Commissioner - Vermont Department of Health

Do not apply online. Please send a resume and cover letter directly to Monica Ogelby atMonica.Ogelby@vermont.gov.

The Vermont Agency of Human Services (AHS) seeks a dynamic and innovative public health expert to join the Agency in the role of Commissioner of Health.

The Commissioner of Health serves as the chief public health officer for the State of Vermont, providing visionary leadership and operational oversight to the Vermont Department of Health to ensure the health and well-being of Vermont residents. This position is responsible for fulfilling statutory obligations, addressing public health priorities, and leading strategic initiatives that support the current and future health needs of Vermonters. The Commissioner of Health is also a key member of the Agency of Human Services Executive Leadership Team.

The commissioner is accountable to the Secretary of Human Services, the Governor of Vermont, the Vermont General Assembly and the federal government, as appropriate for the safeguarding of public health and the enforcement of applicable state and federal laws and the faithful administration of state and federal public health programs. This is an exempt, statutory position appointed by the Governor which reports directly to the Secretary of Human Services.

The powers and duties of the Commissioner of Health are articulated in Title 18, Chapter 3 of the Vermont Statutes Annotated. The commissioner shall:

1. Lead the Vermont Department of Health (Health Department), a Department the Executive Branch of the State of Vermont staffed by nearly 700 highly skilled and dedicated public health professionals. This includes identifying and implementing a strategic vision for the department, overseeing the Health Department's wide-ranging divisions and programs and developing and managing the Department's budget.
2. Serve as a key leader of the Vermont Agency of Human Services, comprised of six constituent departments and associated offices and program, of which the Health Department is one. The Commissioner will serve as a member of the Secretary of Human Services' Executive Team and work closely with peer commissioners and other staff to guide inter-departmental / whole-agency programs that serve the needs of the most vulnerable Vermonters.
3. Serve as key advisor, witness, and trusted expert to the Governor of Vermont and the Vermont General Assembly. This includes offering legislative testimony, advocating for public health polices in coordination with the Governor, the Secretary and other AHS commissioners and outside partners, and
4. Serve as a trusted resource for the public as Vermont's chief public health communicator, ensuring Vermonters have the information they need to make healthy choices and keep themselves safe.
5. As the state's chief public health officer, the commissioner shall:

• Promulgate rules and regulations as needed to protect public health and support the operations of the Health Department
• Issue public health orders as determined necessary to safeguard public health
• Collect, analyze, and disseminate health data to inform policy decisions and improve public health outcomes.
• Track and investigate diseases and other public health threats and recommend necessary public health measures in response

Required

MD, DO, DrPH, or equivalent doctoral degree in public health or related field
10+ years of progressive leadership experience in public health administration
Strong track record of program development and policy implementation
Demonstrated experience managing complex organizations and budgets
Excellence in public speaking and stakeholder communications

Preferred

Board certification in preventive medicine or public health
Experience working in state or federal public health agencies
Knowledge of Vermont's healthcare system and public health challenges
Background in rural public health administration

Key Competencies

Strategic thinking and planning
Crisis management and emergency response
Political acumen and policy development
Financial and operational management
Strong interpersonal and communication skills
Collaborative leadership style
Change management expertise

Working Conditions

Position is based in Waterbury, Vermont
Frequent travel throughout the state required
On-call availability for public health emergencies
Regular interaction with media and public officials
Some evening and weekend work required

Commensurate with experience and education.

This is a gubernatorial appointment. The Commissioner serves at the pleasure of the Governor with a focus on advancing the public health goals of the administration while maintaining the department's commitment to science-based decision making and health equity.