Arapahoe County’s Foundational Board of Health today named Jennifer L. Ludwig the public health director. Ludwig will ensure that Arapahoe County Public Health (ACPH) is operational by Jan. 1, 2023.
Ludwig brings with her more than 25 years of public health experience, addressing some of the most complex organizational and community issues. She has spent 16 years in public health leadership positions, most recently as the deputy director of the Tri-County Health Department. In that capacity, she oversaw day-to-day operations, directing a $60 million budget, affecting more than 60 programs and 400 employees across 11 facilities. Prior to that, she served as the executive director of the Eagle County Public Health Department.
“I am so honored to serve as the first public health director for Arapahoe County,” said Ludwig. “This is an extraordinary opportunity to build resources that are meaningful to the nearly 650,000 residents of Arapahoe County. I look forward to engaging with the community as we progress and develop the public health resources that meet their needs.”
Colorado law specifies that the director of a public health department must be hired by a board of health. The Foundational Board of Health was seated on June 14 and announced Ludwig as the sole candidate for position on June 15.
During their nomination discussions, Foundational Board of Health member Dr. Heather Signorelli said, “Jennifer is organized, well-spoken and wants to focus on community engagement and that will be a positive thing looking forward.”
With her strong background in public health management, Ludwig will set a foundation for the administration of duties that are required by law and support efforts that the County believe are imperative to a healthy community.
Her skillset is vital to convening residents, business and the public health community as we work toward a single-county health department.
The Board of Health intentionally chose a public health director who is a skilled public manager because of her depth of knowledge in overseeing large, complex operations and her history of transparency and fiscal responsibility. Other metro area public health departments have chosen directors with an administrative background, rather than a medical one. As the public health director, Ludwig will consult with the contracted medical officer and other health experts to support the specific needs of Arapahoe County residents. The County has issued an RFP to solicit a contracted medical officer who will advise the Board of Health and director.