Mendocino County has named Anne Molgaard as the Transition Director for the Public Health Branch of Health & Human Services. Ms. Molgaard is a skilled administrator with over 30 years experience in health and human services both in the nonprofit and government sectors. CEO Carmel J. Angelo said, “Anne will lead Public Health through this transition from Health and Human Services to separate departments. She is known for her organizational analysis and practical approach to public service. While the Board of Supervisors conducts its strategic planning process and makes a final decision about the configuration of health and human service departments, Anne will ensure that Public Health services continue.” Supervisor Glenn McGourty stated, “I am pleased that Anne Molgaard has accepted her new position as the Director of Transition, Public Health. My experience working with her has shown her to be a good leader. She is intelligent, a good problem solver, a good listener, and a team player. She will be a strong member of Mendocino County’s leadership team in her new role.”

The Public Health Department includes programs that serve Mendocino County’s families such as WIC (Women, Infants, & Children), Nursing, Community Wellness, as well as Environmental Health (Land Use, Consumer Protection, and Hazmat), and the county’s COVID Pandemic Response. “Public Health will be well served by Anne Molgaard. She is an extremely competent administrator. The Board of Supervisors wants to ensure that Public Health is functioning at full capacity to best meet the needs of Mendocino County and Ms. Molgaard will make that happen,” said Supervisor John Haschak.

Board of Supervisors Chair Dan Gjerde added, “Anne Molgaard is perfect for this new role. She has a well-earned reputation for listening, evaluating a situation, and bringing forward thoughtful solutions.” She joined the County as Chief Operations Officer for the Health & Human Services Agency in 2016 where she streamlined contracting processes, simplified hiring practices, and increased transparency in communications both internally and with the public. According to Supervisor Maureen Mulheren, “Anne is a responsive and effective manager. She is supported by County employees and the community.” Before joining the County Health & Human Services Agency, Ms. Molgaard was the founding Director of FIRST 5 Mendocino, where she served for 16 years. Anne worked closely with Public Health while at FIRST 5 Mendocino, collaborating to develop the county-wide children’s health insurance program, Healthy Kids Mendocino, the Pediatric Dental Initiative, and home visiting program. Supervisor Ted Williams remarks, “I

believe in Anne’s competency to extricate Public Health.” Molgaard stated, “My directive is to evaluate Public Health resources and to stabilize the department.”