After 25 years, Dr. Mark Wallace to Retire
Published on May 08, 2020
After 25 years of dedication to the residents of Weld County, Dr. Mark Wallace informed the Board of Commissioners of his plans to retire from his position with the county on May 29, 2020.
“Dr. Wallace has had an impactful career with Weld County, and we appreciate the dedication and professionalism he has brought to the county and our residents,” said Commissioner Chair Mike Freeman.
Wallace, who started his career with the county in 1995, spent his first five years as the county’s public health medical advisor before accepting the position of Director of the Department of Public Health and Environment in 2000.
“I am proud of the work I have done here,” said Wallace. “The employees at the Health Department have been amazing to work with, and I know the department will continue to do great things for the residents of this county.”
Wallace, who told the commissioners he desires to spend more time with family and focusing on his health, was instrumental in leading the department to be one of the first in the state to become accredited by the Public Health Accreditation Board (PHAB) in 2015. To become accredited by PHAB, Wallace guided his team to demonstrate performance across 12 domains and 32 standards of public health practice including quality improvement, performance management, evidence-based practices, administration, and governance. Accreditation demonstrated his team’s commitment to excellence.
“It was a great accomplishment to receive that accreditation for the department,” said Wallace. “I’m proud to have been a part of developing a strong public health program here in Weld.”
“Mark’s devotion, drive for perfection, and compassion for others have been instrumental in helping the county Health Department attain incredible success. We wish Mark all the best,” said Commissioner Barbara Kirkmeyer. “We truly appreciate his work for the county, and we respect his desire to now focus on his family, friends and new opportunities down the road.”
Wallace and the Board of Commissioners will spend the next few weeks developing a transition plan for the leadership role of the department, while the emergency response to the pandemic will now fully move under the Emergency Operations Center (EOC).
“The EOC will continue to work with the health department staff on the response to COVID-19 just as they have been since March,” said Freeman. “This is what the departments train for – emergencies like this – so their work will continue seamlessly for our first-responders, healthcare workers and county residents.“