Ellis County appoints Melissa Miller as health director and public health officer

The Ellis County Commission on March 4 appointed Melissa Miller as Ellis County Health Director and the county’s public health officer by a 3-0 vote.

The appointment secures leadership for the county’s health department as outgoing director Kerry McHugh completes work on the current grant cycle. County Administrator Darren Myers introduced Miller and said she started last week and has spent time working with McHugh to complete the quarter’s grant work.

"This is Melissa Miller, the commission's candidate of choice for the public, public works director health department director," Darren Myers said, noting McHugh would remain involved for about another week to finish up grant items. Melissa Miller addressed the commission briefly: "I just wanted to thank you for the opportunity to serve. You guys have a great group of people. It's been a really easy transition, and I'm looking forward to working with you in the future."

Commission discussion was brief. A motion to appoint Miller and second were made and the commission voted in favor. The clerk recorded the outcome as "passes three-zero." The commission also noted its appreciation for Carrie (identified in the meeting as assisting with onboarding) for helping with the transition.

No additional conditions or amendments to the appointment were recorded during the meeting. The commission did not set a separate timeline in public comment for Miller’s assumption of specific grant responsibilities beyond McHugh’s short overlap.