Health Department Executive Director announces retirement

After nearly five years of leading the Douglas County Health Department through its creation and growth, Executive Director Mike Hill announced Thursday, Sept. 10, that he will retire from his position in November.

Hill joined Douglas County in 2022 as the County was undertaking the significant work of building an independent public health agency. Douglas County formally separated from Tri-County Health Department in 2021, with some services continuing through an intergovernmental agreement until the end of 2022.

Under Hill’s leadership, the County assembled the people, programs and systems necessary to provide locally focused public health services including disease surveillance and emergency preparedness, environmental health, vital records, family services and community health programs.

“Mike accepted an extraordinary assignment: build a high-functioning Health Department from the ground up while continuing to provide the essential services our residents rely on,” said Commissioner George Teal, who has served on the Board of Health since its inception. “He brought steady leadership, deep public health experience and a genuine commitment to serving our unique community. We are grateful for the strong foundation he has built and the exceptional team he leaves behind.”

Among the Health Department’s achievements during Hill’s tenure:

• Establishing a fully independent local public health agency designed around the needs and priorities of Douglas County residents.
• Expanding maternal and child health services, vaccination access, disease-prevention education and support for Women, Infants and Children.
• Creating the Healthy Families Partnership of Douglas County with the Department of Human Services and 13 additional community partners to connect new families with infant safe-sleep education and other resources.
• Building strong environmental health and epidemiology programs. In 2024 alone, staff conducted 1,112 environmental health inspections, issued 634 permits, supported 68 special events and followed up on all 415 reported non-COVID health conditions received by the department.
• Completing the community-driven 2025 Community Health Needs Assessment and 2025–2028 Public Health Improvement Plan, which identified mental health and reliable access to essential needs and healthcare as the community’s top public health priorities.

“Building a high-functioning health department from scratch seemed like a daunting task when we began this journey, but together, we were successful,” Hill said. “I have genuinely enjoyed working with Douglas County and its Board of Health, and I am proud of everything we have accomplished. I leave knowing the Health Department has a solid team in place—one built to provide great service to this community for many years to come.”

Following his departure, Hill plans to slow his pace and take on select consulting projects.

The Board of Health will begin a nationwide search for Hill’s successor.

The Douglas County Health Department provides environmental health, vital records, disease surveillance, emergency preparedness and response, community health and clinical services, WIC and other programs supporting residents throughout their lives.

Learn more and read the department’s 2024 Annual Report.

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