Dec. 9, 2015

JOSEPH PEPE TO SERVE AS HEALTH OFFICER FOR HENDRY AND GLADES COUNTIES

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Tallahassee, Fla.—The Florida Department of Health has announced Joseph Pepe, Ed.D. will be the Health Officer for Hendry and Glades Counties. Since May 2015, Dr. Pepe has served the Department for both counties as interim Health Officer. Prior to his tenure as interim Health Officer, Dr. Pepe was also the Planning Consultant for the Florida Department of Health in Charlotte County, a role in which he facilitated all emergency preparedness planning and communication activities.

“Dr. Pepe has demonstrated a long-standing commitment to public health,” said Kim Barnhill, deputy secretary for County Health Systems. “His leadership in the public and private sector will make him a valuable asset to the people of Hendry and Glades counties.”

Before joining the Florida Department of Health, Dr. Pepe acted as the Executive Vice President of Administration for Hodges University beginning in 2012, where he served as Chief Administrative Officer and oversaw a staff of more than 400. In addition to managing personnel activities and strategic planning, he worked to establish over 100 additional community partnerships. Previously, Dr. Pepe worked for more than 12 years as the Executive Director for the regional campuses of Nova Southeastern University, providing oversight to nine campuses.

After receiving his bachelor’s degree from the University of South Florida in 1995, Dr. Pepe earned his Master of Administration from Central Michigan University in 1999. He went on to earn his Ed.D. in Organizational Leadership from Nova Southeastern University in 2009.

Dr. Pepe is a member of the National Association of County and City Health Officials and currently serves as a board member for the Punta Gorda Housing Authority Family Self-Sufficiency Program as well as Junior Achievement. Additionally, he is an adjunct professor at Barry University, teaching courses related to emergency management and public administration.

About the Florida Department of Health

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

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