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Interim steps in after Franklin health officer resigns
Summary
Franklin’s health officer, Lauren Gottlieb, resigned in mid-July; Elle is serving as interim while the department and city staff coordinate with HR and the state to define qualifications and timing for a permanent hire amid the 2027 budget process.
Elle, speaking as the department’s interim, told the Franklin Board of Health that "our health officer, Lauren Gottlieb, did resign." She said Gottlieb’s last day was July 13–14 and that the department has put an interim in place while it works through hiring logistics.
The interim said the department is coordinating with the city administrator, the HR director and contacts at the State Department of Health Services’ Office of Policy and Practice to outline required qualifications and to support interim coverage. "[They] were able to...connect with us as well as the hiring team to outline what the qualifications would be for an officer as well as help us, have an interim be put in place, which is myself," Elle said. The board was advised that the mayor’s recommended budget is not due until Sept. 15, so hiring decisions are likely to be affected by the 2027 budget timeline.
Board members pressed for clarity on recruitment timing and consolidation options; Elle acknowledged consolidation had been discussed at the finance committee level but said, "The city intends to fill the health officer position, not leave it unfilled." The board agreed to revisit staffing and hiring details at an October meeting once the budget process advances.
