Maricopa County plucks public health director from neighboring region
Apr 17, 2019, 10:04 AM
(AP Photo)
PHOENIX – Maricopa County stayed close to home to find its new director of public health.
Marcy Flanagan, who has been running the public health department down the road for Pima County, was named Tuesday to the Phoenix-based post.
Flanagan will manage a staff of 600 and oversee an annual budget of $60 million.
“While it is bittersweet to leave my outstanding staff and community in Pima County, it is the right time for me to use the skills I have attained to lead the third largest health jurisdiction in the nation,” Flanagan said in a statement.
She worked in Pima County for 18 years.
Directors set public health policy, respond to public health emergencies, monitor and detect outbreaks of and prevent the spread of more than 80 reportable communicable diseases.
Maricopa County manager Joy Rich said the search to find the right person led to Flanagan.
“We are confident that we found that person in our own backyard,” Rich said in a statement.
“Marcy has a perfect blend of public health experience along with local knowledge which will allow her to hit the ground running and keep Public Health propelling forward.”
Flanagan earned degrees from the University of Arizona and Northern Arizona University.
She starts the job June 10.