From Rhode Island to Colorado: Recruitment Process for New Public Health Director Moves Forward with Toxicologist Mike Byrns

The La Plata County Board of Health has decided to move forward with the recruitment process for a new public health director. Mike Byrns from Rhode Island is scheduled to visit in person at the end of April, and the Board will conduct interviews with him and organize a public meet-and-greet event.

If Byrns decides to withdraw his application, the search for a new public health director will begin again. This decision was made after Tara Hardy, another finalist, withdrew herself from consideration due to personal reasons.

Byrns is currently the assistant director of health at the Rhode Island Department of Health, where he serves as the leading toxicologist. If he decides to step back from his current position, a contingency plan is in place to ensure that the recruitment process can quickly move forward without any delays.

The event for the public to meet Byrns is still scheduled for April 24 at the La Plata County administration building. The Board remains hopeful that Byrns will join as the new public health director, but they are prepared in case he decides to step back or withdraw his application.