Daniels appointed as first health district administrator

Scott Daniels of Bainbridge Island has been appointed as the Kitsap Public Health District’s first agency administrator.

Scott Daniels of Bainbridge Island has been appointed as the Kitsap Public Health District’s first agency administrator.

Daniels has been serving as the health district’s deputy director and is a 23-year veteran of the agency.

The Kitsap Public Health Board made the appointment Nov. 5.

“The Kitsap Public Health Board is very pleased to recognize the contributions Mr. Daniels has made to the Health District, and have someone of his caliber serving as our District Administrator,” said Board Chairman and Kitsap County Commissioner Josh Brown.

“We are also pleased that Dr. Lindquist can now more effectively focus his considerable talents on the many health issues that require his strong leadership and expertise,” Brown added.

Daniels was first hired as the solid waste program manager for the health district in 1990, was subsequently promoted to assistant director of environmental health in 1995. He took over as deputy director in 2001.

Daniels will serve as the board’s administrative officer and direct the district’s day-to-day management and business operations. He will also continue as the agency’s budget director, legislative liaison and public information officer.

In addition to his work with the health district, Daniels currently serves on the board of the Washington State Association of Local Public Health Officials (WSALPHO), is the co-chairman of WSALPHO’s Legislative Committee, and is the health representative on the Puget Sound Regional Council’s Food Policy Council.

Among other appointments, he recently chaired the Global Climate Change Workgroup for the National Association of County and City Health Officials.

He received both his master of science degree in environmental science in 1980 and his bachelor of arts degree in 1977 from Indiana University-Bloomington.

Daniels currently lives with his wife and son on Bainbridge.

Daniels’ appointment comes as the health district splits the duties that were previously combined in one position.

Scott Lindquist, who is currently the district’s director of health and health officer, will retain his position as health officer, the person in the agency responsible for controlling and preventing the spread of infectious diseases, overseeing compliance with public health statutes and rules, and promoting public health in Kitsap County, as provided under state law.