Thurston County has appointed Dr. Barbra Villona as the new health officer for its Public Health & Social Services Department, following a year-long, competitive recruitment process. Dr. Villona brings extensive experience in medical and public health practice to oversee the County’s response to diseases, health advisories, and public health policies, according to the Thurston County.
Leonard Hernandez, Thurston County Manager, welcomed her, saying, "On behalf of the entire Thurston County leadership team, I am pleased to welcome Dr. Villona as our new Public Health Officer." She succeeds Dr. Abdelmalek and is expected to make a significant impact on the community’s health initiatives.
Dr. Villona, who has over 30 years of experience in emergency medicine and international medical practice in under-resourced areas, previously served as Deputy Public Health Officer in Josephine County, Oregon, supporting healthcare professionals during the COVID-19 pandemic. Thurston County’s PHSS Director, Dr. Jen Freiheit, said, “After thorough vetting by the Thurston County Board of Health, and the County’s Human Resources Department, it was decided that Dr. Villona’s expertise would greatly benefit Thurston County." She will now serve in Thurston County to support public health efforts and provide health-related information to residents.
