During a special meeting of the Lucas County Regional Board of Health on Thursday, May 4, board members voted to appoint Shannon Jones, MBA, MPH to serve as interim leader of the department. Her appointment is effective Monday, May 8 and she is expected to stay in the role until a permanent commissioner is named.

This announcement comes one week after Dr. Zgodzinski announced his retirement. The Board of Health along with the current Health Commissioner will work with Ms. Jones, ensuring a smooth transition of leadership.

Ms. Jones came to the Health Department in November 2014, after spending 12 years in the private health sector serving in various leadership capacities. She has held several positions at the Health Department, with her most recent title as the Director of Health Promotion & Policy Integration.
Ms. Jones obtained her Master’s Degree in Healthcare Administration from the University of Findlay in 2010 and graduated with a Master’s of Public Health from Bowling Green State University and The University of Toledo in 2017.

Furthermore, she serves on numerous boards and committees including the American Heart Association’s Toledo Board of Directors, the Association of Ohio Health Commissioners, and the Ohio Environmental Health Association.

Board President Paul Komisarek says of the appointment of Ms. Jones, “The board was very fortunate to have three outstanding candidates apply for this position. It was great to see the depth of dedication and talent that we have at the TLCHD. After our interviews and discussion, the board felt that Shannon Jones, with her overall experience, would be the person best suited to serve as Interim Health Commissioner while the board searches for a permanent health commissioner. We know she will provide a fresh and enthusiastic face in representation of the TLCHD, and maintain the excellent programs of all the TLCHD departments.”

The Board of Health will begin a national search for the next health commissioner.