Delaware County commissioners confirm interim health officer nomination after questions about search process

The Delaware County Commissioners voted to confirm Dr. John Peterson as interim health officer to serve the remainder of the current term, while several commissioners said they want an in-person meeting with Peterson and reminded the public the permanent position remains open to applicants.

The confirmation follows a nomination from the county Board of Health. Jamie Bain, health department administrator, told the commissioners that Dr. Peterson was nominated by the board and noted the remaining term ends Dec. 31, 2027. Bain identified Peterson as a long‑time local physician and chair of the Board of Health.

Commissioners asked procedural questions about how interim appointments are made and about the search timeline for the permanent health officer. One commissioner said he believed at least five people had expressed interest in the permanent job and said Peterson should have to compete for the position. Another commissioner said he wanted to meet Peterson to discuss department priorities, including childhood obesity and crisis preparedness, before fully committing to the long‑term appointment.

During the roll call, two commissioners voted yes and one commissioner voted no; the motion passed. After the vote commissioners reiterated that the Board of Health makes the nomination and the commissioners’ role is to accept or reject that nomination. Jamie Bain confirmed the board of health had nominated Peterson and that the resignation of the prior health officer is effective June 27; Bain also said the appointment would take effect at the appropriate start date listed in the nomination materials.

The commissioners did not adopt any additional policy changes for the health department at the meeting. They asked staff to continue the recruitment process for the permanent health officer and requested opportunities for commissioners to meet finalists prior to a final appointment.