Cindy Kronauge, first author of county health status report, retires
Published on October 11, 2023
After an illustrious career spanning over two decades in the field of public health, over 16 of them with Weld County, Cindy Kronauge, M.P.H., Ph.D., is retiring as the Health Data Specialist at the Weld County Department of Public Health & Environment (WCDPHE). On Wednesday, Oct. 11 her dedication, contributions and impact on the department and the community it serves were recognized by the board of county commissioners.
Kronauge's journey in the realm of public health began with her completion of a Master of Public Health degree from the University of Northern Colorado in 1997. In 2003 she was hired as a consultant for the WCDPHE, writing the first health status report. In 2007, Kronauge transitioned to a part-time role at the health department while pursuing a Ph.D. in Applied Statistics and Research Methods, which she successfully completed in 2012. Her commitment to her education and passion for public health culminated in her joining the department full-time in 2012.
Over the past 11 years, Kronauge has been at the forefront of the Weld County Department of Public Health & Environment, leading its efforts in evaluation, data analytics, and most notably, the comprehensive community health survey. The community health survey is a pivotal tool utilized by the department and its partners, has been instrumental in grant writing, report generation, and strategic planning while enhancing the understanding of health issues in Northern Colorado. In 2018, Kronauge was awarded the Community Preceptor Award for Excellence in Public Health Practice from the Colorado School of Public Health and became member of the Colorado state Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS) Advisory Board where she has served since.
During her tenure with Weld County, Kronauge built and mentored the team that is now responsible for measuring and assessing the public health data of Weld County. Her meticulous attention to detail and dedication to thoroughness have enabled her team to provide critical insights through community assessments, facilitating informed decision-making and the efficient allocation of resources.
“The public health needs of Weld County are better served through Cindy’s work and her value to the department will be hard to replace.” Said WCDPHE Director Jason Chessher. “One of the best characteristics of a good manager is someone who builds a team to succeed in their absence. Cindy has done just that, and the staff that she has trained and nurtured will be her legacy.”
For more information about the Weld County Department of Public Health & Environment, please visit www.weldcountyhealth.org.