Washington County Public Health staff and board members met in person and via Zoom for the November 4th special meeting. Photo by Sam McIntosh.

After a three-month long search, Washington County has found its new public health director.

The Board of Health approved during a special meeting Thursday to confirm the hire of Emily Houston, with a starting salary of $70,000 and step increases to $80,000 commensurate with meeting competencies by July 1, 2022. The board voted 3-1 with Chair Cathy Buffington, Connie Larsen, and Dr. Trevor Martin in favor and Jack Seward, Jr. opposed. Seward explained that his conscience told him that there was a better candidate, but it doesn’t mean he won’t do everything that he possibly can to make sure she succeeds.

Jefferson County Public Health Director and Washington interim Director Chris Estle tells KCII she’s excited that they’ve reached this conclusion. Estle looks forward to working closely with Houston through the end of her 28E agreement with the county on December 31st, and beyond as a contiguous county public health director, “With that being said the staff here at Washington County Public Health and home care has done an amazing job, stepping up and working as a great team. The Board of Health has been accessible to the staff during this process, so I am excited moving forward and it’s a great way to offer this position to Emily. And her start date is coming up soon so we’ll get started with some orientation and support and start 2022 off on the right foot with a new director.”

Houston holds Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in public health from the University of Iowa, and is originally from Panora. Her start date is November 29th, and the public is invited to meet Houston during an open house scheduled for 1-3 p.m. December 1st on the fifth floor of the Federation Bank building. The position was previously held for eight years by Danielle Pettit-Majewski, who is now director of Johnson County Public Health.