A candidate for Montgomery County Public Health Officer is under state consideration, County Executive Marc Elrich said during a media briefing Wednesday.
“Our public health officer is in process of being interviewed by the state, and we’re waiting to get their blessing on moving forward with his appointment,” Elrich said. It is a joint appointment between the county and state. He did not name the candidate.
Dr. Travis Gayles, the county’s previous health officer, resigned last September. Dr. James Bridgers is currently Acting Health Officer.
Gayles received racist and hate-filled emails from those who disagreed with his policies as he led the county’s decision-making during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Elrich said this is the third candidate selected by the county. During a council briefing in February, County Council President Gabe Albornoz said the second finalist ultimately declined the position “because of fear and concern over rhetoric, over the attacks that public health officials have been feeling nationally.”
