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Public health director introduces staffing changes and highlights award nomination, finance updates
Summary
Director Chelsea Lippers introduced two new hires, reported a nomination for the communicable-disease team from Kittitas Valley Healthcare, and the department's accountant said 2025 revenue roughly matched expectations with one-time funds and new equipment purchases.
At the Kittitas County Board of Health meeting, Public Health Director Chelsea Lippers announced two personnel changes and read an award nomination, while the department's accountant reviewed 2025 financial highlights.
Staffing: Lippers introduced Reuben McKenzie as the department's new public-health technician who will staff the front desk and support client service functions, and said Denise Peyton will join as the new veteran service officer at the end of the month after leaving HopeSource. Lippers said Peyton brings experience working with veterans and will be introduced to the board at the June quarterly meeting.
Recognition: Lippers read a nomination from Kittitas Valley Healthcare recognizing the communicable-disease division's leadership in infection-prevention coordination, long-term-care visits, community vaccination clinics and tabletop exercises; she named Kate Johnson and credited the communicable-disease team for the nomination to the Washington State Hospital Association's Community Health Leadership Award.
Finance: Public health accountant Katie O'Diaga said 2025 revenue landed close to expectations, with several one-time funding sources (including passport fees and short-term opioid campaign funds) and recognized a large purchase of a Randox analyzer and supplies for the coroner's office. O'Diaga said some COVID-era funding remains but is winding down and offered detailed budget documents in the meeting packet for board review.
Operational note: Board members raised that COVID-related funds had supported specimen transport to the state lab; with those funds ending the county expects higher shipping costs for lab testing going forward.
What's next: The department plans to introduce new staff at upcoming meetings, continue public-health-week communications and monitor funding changes tied to the larger FPHS system discussion.
