Governor’s head of Department of Health to step down
SALT LAKE CITY (June 24, 2015) – After serving four years as executive director of the Department of Health, Dr. David Patton, will leave the administration to pursue opportunities in the private sector.
Gov. Gary Herbert praised Patton for leading the Department of Health through challenges of disease outbreaks and major upheavals in health reform. During his tenure, he has led the agency’s response to a flu pandemic, measles and pertussis outbreaks, and prepared for Ebola and natural disaster threats.
“Dr. Patton has done a tremendous job leading our health department,” said Gov. Herbert. “He has worked tirelessly through a number of challenges, most notably to find the best way to bring healthcare coverage to the most vulnerable among us while respecting the contributions of the Utah taxpayer.”
Patton expressed his appreciation for the improved working relationships with local health departments, the Legislature and partners in the community he helped to build during his time at the Dept of Health.
“It has been an honor to serve the citizens of Utah with Gov. Herbert,” said Patton. “With the changing dynamics in healthcare policy over the past few years, it has been an exciting and rewarding time to be immersed in health policy and the governor’s health initiatives.”
Patton will continue with the department through July 31, 2015 to support the governor’s efforts to bring healthcare coverage to nearly 100,000 Utahns who are without health insurance. The administration will conduct a nationwide search for a successor.
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