Secretary John Wiesman has selected Interim State Health Officer Dr. Kathy Lofy to take over the position permanently. The job includes serving as the chief science officer for the state Department of Health. The appointment takes effect immediately.

“This is an important position for the Department of Health and the people of Washington,” Wiesman said. “The state health officer is the primary medical consultant on public health issues that affect the health of people in our state. It’s a big job; I’m confident Kathy will do it well.”

Before becoming interim health officer on Jan. 1, Lofy oversaw flu monitoring and served as a medical consultant to the Offices of Communicable Disease Epidemiology and Infectious Disease. She started her public health career in 2002 as the agency’s Epidemic Intelligence Service officer and our state foodborne disease epidemiologist.

“I’m honored and excited for this new challenge,” Lofy said. “I look forward to helping the people of Washington be as healthy as they can be.”

Lofy became the interim health officer following the retirement of Dr. Maxine Hayes at the end of last year. Hayes was the state’s chief physician for 16 years.

The state health officer and chief science officer is the state’s top public health doctor. Duties include advising the governor and the secretary of health on issues ranging from chronic disease prevention to emergency response. The health officer works closely with local health officers, state agency medical directors, and professional associations to address population health issues.

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