Director of Public Health – Seattle / King County stepping down

David Fleming, MD

King County Executive Dow Constantine and Seattle Mayor Ed Murray today said they will begin the search for a new director of Public Health – Seattle / King County, after being notified by Dr. David Fleming that he is stepping down as Director of Public Health effective Aug. 11. Fleming has agreed to stay on during the transition on an interim basis as County Health Officer.

“I’ve been honored to serve as Director and Health Officer for more than seven years. After a lot of thought, I’ve come to the realization that my personal plans and needs don’t allow me to make the long-term leadership commitment that this organization now requires,” said Dr. Fleming. “As a department, we’re going through an enormous transformation in response to budget challenges and changing community needs. My highest priority is that the department has the long-term, stable leadership that will be needed to implement and see these changes through.”

Under an interlocal agreement that merged the city and county health departments in 1951, Public Health – Seattle and King County serves both the County and the City. The County Health Officer has the statutory duty of protecting and improving the health and well-being of all people in King County.

The Executive appointed Patty Hayes, Director of the Community Health Services Division in Public Health, to serve as interim director of Public Health beginning Aug. 11. Hayes has worked in health care and public policy as a nurse, academic, consultant and administrator in both the public and private sectors for more than 30 years.

There are no public health service clinics or laboratories located in Shoreline or Lake Forest park, but the Washington State Public Health Service Lab is located in Shoreline.