Amidst changes at the Shelby County Health Department, Dr. Bruce Randolph has been appointed as the interim health director and health officer, Action News 5 reports. Randolph, who has nearly 40 years of medical practice, is stepping in following Dr. Michelle Taylor's resignation, due to take effect August 1 as she transitions to a new role in Maryland. Randolph is no stranger to the health department, having previously held the position of health officer during the critical period of the COVID-19 pandemic, wherein he was credited with orchestrating vaccination efforts within the Division of Corrections.
Shelby County Mayor Lee Harris was the one to make the appointment and according to FOX13 Memphis, the selection comes with the intention to offer the opportunity to choose a permanent director to the next County Mayor as Harris approaches the end of his own term with just over a year to go he commented on his decision, “With just over a year to go in my role as Shelby County Mayor, my goal now is to preserve the opportunity to select a permanent director to the next County Mayor," expanding on Randolph's background, Harris expressed confidence in Randolph’s "experience, steady leadership, and community knowledge" needed to head the health department.
Dr. Bruce Randolph is reportedly pleased to return to public service, affirming his commitment to the health and welfare of Shelby County residents, "I’m proud to be appointed to this important role. I’m committed to making sure the critical work already underway in public health continues without interruption," Randolph was quoted by Local Memphis.
The interim appointment awaits formal approval from the Tennessee Commissioner of Health, which would solidify Randolph's position and enable him to pick up where Taylor leaves off, Randolph has committed himself to working closely with the Health Department staff to ensure public health initiatives move forward and the physical and mental wellbeing of the community is safeguarded as if engaging in a sacred trust an oath to the people, a solemn vow to ward off the specter of disease and despair from the very doorstep of every home in Shelby County.
