ALLEGAN — The Allegan County Commission voted unanimously on Thursday, April 25, to appoint Jacqueline Billet as the county's next health officer.
Billet's appointment is subject to final approval from the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services, in accordance with state law. Gov. Rob Salo said the county expects quick approval and believes billets could begin as early as Monday, April 29.
Salo said the county “kept up to date with (the state's) information” during the hiring process.
Billet, a Traverse City area native, comes to Allegan County from the Central Michigan Regional Health Authority, which serves six counties: Arenac, Clare, Gladwin, Isabella, Osceola and Roscommon.
She holds bachelor's and master's degrees in English and a master's degree in public health. Billet told her commissioners Thursday that she pursued public health because she “felt a need to help the community in any way she could.”
In response to questions from commissioners Thursday, Billet said he wants to focus on community education and relationship building.
“What we try to focus on in public health is education, giving people the tools to make informed decisions about their own lifestyles.”
Billet added that transparency, clear communication and listening to concerns will continue to be important.
Former health worker Angelique Joines resigned in January after 10 years in the position.
Salo said the county received “less than 20 applicants” and interviewed five or six of them, with the interview team including Salo County Human Resources Director Dean Kapenga and Scott Beltman. He said that he was
“I view this as a very thorough and sound process,” Salo said.
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The process included a review of applications and multiple interviews, with the first round asking questions from officials and staff and the second round asking questions about potential public health scenarios.
“I'm excited that we have a candidate in front of us who has overcome all of that and made it to the top,” Kapenga said.
— Contact reporter Mitchell Boatman at mboatman@hollandsentinel.com.
