Baltimore County has a new captain leading its health department, focusing on the area's long-standing health disparities. With over two decades of expertise in the medical and public health realms, Dr. Lucy Wilson will serve as County Health Officer and Director of the Department of Health and Human Services, as the Baltimore County Government reports.
Bringing forth a wealth of experience, including having served as Medical Advisor to the Maryland Secretary of Health, Dr. Wilson is no stranger to complex health crises, notably contributing to the COVID-19 response. Announcing the appointment, Baltimore County Executive Johnny Olszewski emphasized that maintaining high-quality public health services is a key mission of the county. "The health and wellness of our communities – as well as upholding Baltimore County’s high-quality public health services for all – remains a top priority," Olszewski said in a statement detailed by the Baltimore County Government's official release. "I am excited to see how her leadership will help keep Baltimore County healthy and thriving for future generations."
Dr. Wilson has a strong background in public health, having served as Chief of the Maryland Department of Health’s Center for Surveillance, Infection Protection, and Outbreak Response. She teaches future leaders as a Professor and Graduate Program Director at UMBC. Additionally, she has been a Senior Advisor for Public Health and Pandemic Response, helping prepare students for global health emergencies.
Dr. Wilson has impressive credentials: She earned a B.A. in Behavioral Biology from Johns Hopkins, an M.S. in Population and International Health from Harvard, and an M.D. from the University of Maryland. She is well-respected in her field and has published various medical articles.
The appointment of Dr. Wilson as Health Officer is a state position that operates within the State Personnel Management System's framework and is accountable to the Maryland Department of Health’s Deputy Secretary, Public Health Services, and the Baltimore County Executive. Her confirmation is pending the majority vote affirmation from the members of the Baltimore County Council.
