MISSOULA COUNTY - Following a nationwide search, the Missoula City-County Board of Health selected D’Shane Barnett to replace outgoing Health Officer Ellen Leahy in June. He will begin his new role May 17.
Barnett has worked in the American Indian health field for over 20 years. He is the former director of the National Council of Urban Indian Health in Washington, D.C., and currently serves as the executive director of All Nations Health Center in Missoula.
He has a bachelor’s degree in sociology and is currently completing his doctorate in public health at the University of Montana. He also has a master’s degree in healthcare administration and interprofessional leadership from the University of California, San Francisco.
“We are extremely fortunate to have D’Shane lead our health department and community into the future,” said Board of Health Chairman Ross Miller in a press release. “D’Shane’s vast experience with the public health needs of diverse communities will be an important aspect of his leadership.”
As health officer, Barnett will be responsible for administering the health department. Duties include overseeing all department divisions and carrying out statutory responsibilities related to protecting public health.
“I am honored that the Board of Health has selected me for this position,” Barnett said in a press release. “We all know that there is challenging work ahead but our elected leaders have demonstrated a commitment to protecting and improving health for all people in our community and I am humbled to play a role in that process.”
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