The Benton County Health Department announced they appointed Suzanne Hoffman as their new interim Health Department Director starting October 1, 2020. Her appointment is set for two years.
Hoffman brings decades of experience to the table, according to the health department’s announcement. She previously worked at the Oregon Health Authority for five years in different roles including Chief Operating Officer, Public Health Officer, and Interim Agency Director. She also served as Vice President of Human Resources and Organizational Development for a non-profit behavioral health organization called LifeWorks NW since February 2017.
“I have absolute confidence that Suzanne Hoffman can and will lead our Health Department towards a stable future,” said Joe Kerby, Benton County Administrator. “Her professional experience shows she is a leader with a specialized skill set to stabilize through change, uncertainty, and transition.”
Hoffman attended Portland State University where she graduated with a Bachelor of Science in 2002 and a Masters of Public Health in 2013. She also holds a certificate in Change Management from Prosci, according to Hoffman’s LinkedIn profile.
The Benton County Health Department position won’t be her first time serving as an interim leader. She was an Interim Executive Director for the Oregon Patient Safety Commission in 2018, in addition to her previous role as Interim Agency Director for the Oregon Health Authority.
“Stepping into interim leadership roles have been some of the most memorable and satisfying of my career,” said Hoffman. “Whether it’s a crisis situation or the absence of a longtime leader, my leadership style meshes well [with] these types of appointments. I look forward to bringing leadership and stability while building a bridge for Benton County to recruit at a better time.”
The Benton County Health Department interviewed three candidates a few weeks ago. The process involved county employees, community members, and other stakeholders, according to the Benton County website.
By Samantha Sied
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