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San Juan County appoints Rebecca Benally as public health director
Summary
The commission approved the appointment of Rebecca Benally as San Juan County Public Health Director and Local Health Officer. Commissioners discussed 'at-will' employment status and thanked interim staff for covering the vacancy while the board and state finalize support.
The San Juan County Commission voted Aug. 4 to appoint Rebecca Benally as the county’s Public Health Director and Local Health Officer.
The public-health board conducted a hiring process and recommended Benally; the nominating speaker explained the board’s selection and the need to fill a long-standing vacancy. Commissioners discussed employment terms after one asked whether the health-director contract aligns with standard county employment. County counsel (presenter) said state statute requires health directors to be "at‑will" employees, and that appointed public-health positions typically carry that status.
Commissioners thanked interim staff for maintaining program continuity during the vacancy and highlighted planned state support: the Department of Health and Human Services has offered to work with county leadership on corrective actions, training and grant access. The appointment carried by voice vote.
The commission directed staff to set up an introductory meeting with the state department so the new director can coordinate grant work and corrective actions in the coming weeks.
