Board recommends Dr. Matthew McAdams for Grant County health officer

The Grant County Board of Health voted to recommend Dr. Matthew McAdams for appointment as the county health officer after a special meeting to consider three candidates.

Chair called the meeting to order to review recommendations and noted the board had materials summarizing interviews with Dr. Huggins and Dr. Turner and had heard Dr. McAdams' interview. Board members debated whether local ties or administrative experience were the higher priority for the role.

"I just have a little concern about his newness," said Sarah, a board member, arguing that the health department needs a leader with experience who can "go to bat for them when needed." Another member said Dr. Turner has broader clinical and leadership experience, including military service, while Dr. McAdams is local and engaged with community organizations.

Board members discussed clinical specialty and management fit. One committee member said primary care or internal medicine may be "better adapted to the health officer role than orthopedics," while Dr. Wilson noted administrative skills and engagement can be built if a candidate is willing and supported by staff.

Members also asked about candidates' focus on behavioral-health issues. A committee member recalled that when asked about substance-use and overdose response, Dr. McAdams "said is it a huge passion of mine? No," but that he expressed willingness to learn and engage on those community needs.

The board reviewed the job description and discussed timing. Members noted a request by Dr. Turner for a one-year appointment but were told "by Indiana code, it has to be 4 years," and that appointees can resign before a term ends.

A motion to recommend Dr. McAdams was made and seconded; members responded aloud in favor and the chair announced the board would recommend appointing "Dr. Matthew McAdams as our Grant County health officer." The transcript records aye responses but does not contain a full roll-call tally.

Chair said the board would check with Dr. McAdams to confirm he would accept, send him the job description, and the recommendation would be submitted to the county commissioners by Wednesday. No board member volunteered to present the recommendation at the commissioners' meeting.

The board adjourned after the vote.