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Mayor appoints new Milwaukee health commissioner
Milwaukee Mayor Tom Barrett has appointed Kirsten Johnson, former director of the Washington Ozaukee Public Health Department, as Milwaukee's newest health commissioner.
MILWAUKEE - Mayor Tom Barrett appointed Kirsten Johnson as commissioner of health for the City of Milwaukee, the mayor's office announced Thursday, Jan. 14.
Johnson’s appointment as Commissioner of Health is subject to Common Council confirmation and comes during the most serious health crisis in history.
The mayor nominated Johnson, the former Washington Ozaukee Public Health Department director, citing her experience.
Leading a health department during a pandemic is not an easy task, but Johnson is the best person for the job, Barrett said.
"She has extensive history of leadership and service in the field of public health," Barrett said. "Kirsten is a public health leader with more than 20 years of experience in local, state, national and international organizations."
Milwaukee Mayor Tom Barrett
In a news release, the mayor noted that the city health commissioner has overall responsibility for public health assessment, policy development and quality control activities associated with the preservation of public health in Milwaukee.
"Her expertise will strengthen the efforts of our health department as we continue to navigate the many challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic," said Barrett.
Kirsten Johnson
Johnson led COVID-19 testing and contact tracing operations with the Washington Ozaukee Public Health Department and, pending Common Council approval, could soon be leading the state's largest health department.
"Just because we’re now out in the world and interacting with one another doesn’t mean it’s gone away," said Johnson.
Milwaukee City Hall
Jeanette Kowalik, Milwaukee's former health commissioner, left the post in late September explaining that she faced backlash from politicians and the public.
"Am I going to stay in this role at the local level and keep spinning my wheels, or will I take my skills and talents to the national level," Kowalik said prior to her departure.
The Common Council is expected to vote on Johnson's appointment in the next few weeks. Marlaina Jackson, the city's interim health commissioner, will remain with the department as its deputy commissioner.
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