FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
January 11, 2013

Contact: Communications Office
(850) 245-4111

TALLAHASSEE—The Florida Department of Health (DOH) today announced appointment of a search committee of Department officials and community leaders to continue the aggressive process of selecting the next Duval County Health Department (CHD) Director. Since September 2012, the Department has systematically conducted a nationwide search to find candidates for one of Florida's larger CHDs. St. Johns County Health Department Director Dr. Dawn Allicock is currently serving as Interim Director for Duval County for the next four months.

"With such an engaged community, Duval County is a wonderful place to lead public health," said Surgeon General and Secretary of Health Dr. John Armstrong. "The Department of Health is committed to working with local government and civic leaders to find the right physician (MD or DO) to serve as the next Duval County Health Department Director."

Specific skills sought in the next Director include communication, community outreach, and financial/workforce management.

Members serving on the committee include:

• C. Meade Grigg, DOH Deputy Secretary for Statewide Services, Chair
• Dr. Dawn Allicock, Interim Duval CHD Director and St. Johns County Health Department Director
• Ken Covington, Clara White Mission, and Duval County TB Coalition Co-Chair
• Dr. Dawn Emerick, President/CEO, Health Planning Council of Northeast Florida
• Dr. Bonnie Sorensen, Volusia County Health Department Director
• Dr. Daniel Kantor, Duval County Medical Society

An additional member of the committee is pending appointment.

The search committee will facilitate outreach for qualified applicants; conduct interviews and recommend a candidate; and ensure community input into the process.

The Florida Department of Health works to protect, promote, and improve the health of all people in Florida through integrated state, county, and community efforts.