Campbell gets nod for permanent Director at Health District

From Kathy Schwartz Chair of the Board of Health:

Shellie Campbell

 A familiar face was recently named director of North Central Public Health District. 

Shellie Campbell, who has been interim director since July 2020, was named director by the NCPHD board of health on July 13. The board is made up of elected officials and citizens from Wasco, Sherman and Gilliam counties, the area served by NCPHD. 

“Last year when I was asked to step in as the Interim Director for NPCHD I did without hesitation,” said Campbell. “The staff at NCPHD is exemplary. They have put their private lives on hold to support the communities of Wasco, Sherman, and Gilliam Counties during this pandemic. 

“Now I am excited to continue the work with the staff as we move forward, not only with the pandemic but with all the programs we provide at NCPHD,” Campbell said. “As the new director, I am looking forward to planning for the future of NCPHD with our staff, community partners, and residents.” 

Dr. Miriam McDonell, Health Officer for NCPHD looked forward to Campbell’s continued leadership.

“I am thrilled to have Shellie Campbell named as Director for North Central Public Health District. As Interim Director for the past year, she led us through the most challenging year in public health with integrity and compassion,” McDonell said. “She has worked tirelessly for the residents of Wasco, Sherman and Gilliam counties, and provided the direction, support and strength which kept our NCPHD staff together during very difficult times. There is no one better suited to lead North Central Public Health District through this pandemic and beyond.” 

NCPHD Board of Health Chair Kathy Schwartz had similar things to say.

“As interim director, Shellie guided the health district through its most demanding, unpredictable and challenging year ever, and she did it with diplomacy, grace and calm,” Schwartz said. “We very much appreciate her close working relationships with community partners and her attentiveness to health district staff. 

“We look forward to her continued steady hand at the helm as we face the ongoing challenge of responding to the pandemic while continuing to provide the many important services expected of a public health district,” Schwartz said. 

Campbell joined the health district seven years ago. Prior to stepping in as the interim director, she was the clinic program supervisor. She has worked for more than 25 years in public service at the state and local levels. She has worked with non-profit organizations that support children and families. 

(For more information, please visit COVID-19 Vaccine in Oregon, contact North Central Public Health District at (541) 506-2600, visit us on the web at www.ncphd.org or find us on Facebook.)