Tallahassee, Fla. — The Florida Department of Health is pleased to announce Dr. Joseph Pepe as the Administrator for the Department of Health in Charlotte County (DOH-Charlotte). Dr. Pepe will be responsible for overseeing all operations including planning, directing, developing and coordinating public health programs and activities. He will also address state and local public health priorities and provide population-based partnerships with community stakeholders.

“Dr. Pepe’s leadership experience in public health along with his institutional knowledge of the Department will serve Charlotte well,” said Dr. Scott Rivkees, Surgeon General of the State of Florida. “He understands that successful outcomes in public health come from an active alliance between the Department, local government, and community organizations. I am very happy to welcome him in this new position and very hopeful for what his leadership will bring for the Department and the citizens of Charlotte County.”

Dr. Pepe became the Administrator for Hendry and Glades in November 2015 and before this he served as Emergency Planner developing responses to public health emergencies. Before joining the Florida Department of Health, he was the Executive Vice President of Administration at Hodges University and Executive Director at Nova Southeastern University leading campuses in multiple states and three countries.

“Dr. Pepe has developed strong working relationships with partners in Charlotte County since becoming acting director of the Department of Health's local office,” said Charlotte County Administrator Raymond Sandrock. “He is well respected in the community and we look forward to continuing to work with him on important health issues in the future.”

Dr. Pepe holds a doctorate in Education from Nova Southeastern University’s Fischler School of Education and Human Services, a master’s degree in Administration from Central Michigan University, and a bachelor’s degree in Psychology from the University of South Florida. He is also an Adjunct Professor at Barry University teaching graduate courses in Administration as part of their graduate Administration program.

About the Florida Department of Health
The department, nationally accredited by the Public Health Accreditation Board, works to protect, promote and improve the health of all people in Florida through integrated state, county and community efforts.

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