Allegan County Welcomes New Health Officer: Promoting Transparency, Education and Community Service

In a recent meeting, the Allegan County Board of Commissioners appointed Jacqueline Billette as the county’s next health officer. Her appointment is pending final approval from the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services, in accordance with state law. County Administrator Rob Sarro expects quick approval and anticipates that Billette could start as early as Monday, April 29.

Throughout the hiring process, the county kept the state informed. Billette, originally from the Traverse City area, joins Allegan County from the Central Michigan District Health Department, which serves multiple counties in Michigan. She has educational backgrounds in English and public health, holding both bachelor’s and master’s degrees in these fields.

During her introduction at the commissioner meeting, Billette expressed her passion for public health and community service. She shared her intentions to focus on community education and relationship-building as the new health officer. Transparency, clear communication, and addressing community concerns were highlighted as priorities moving forward.

The previous health officer, Angelique Joynes, resigned from the position in January after serving for a decade. The county received over 20 applicants for the role, eventually narrowing it down to a select few candidates for interviews. The selection process included multiple rounds of interviews with questions covering various public health scenarios and input from officials and staff members.

Commissioner Dean Kapenga praised the thorough and diligent selection process, expressing his satisfaction with Billette emerging as the top candidate. The board is optimistic about the new leadership in public health and looks forward to the positive impact Billette will have on the community.