( North Dakota Legislative Assembly photo)
(KNOX) – Gov. Kelly Armstrong appointed Sherry Adams as administrator and CEO of the Southwestern District Health Unit, to serve as North Dakota’s next State Health Officer, effective Sept. 15, citing her extensive background in public health and emergency response.
“Sherry brings a wealth of experience to the role of State Health Officer, and our citizens will be well-served by her deep knowledge and understanding of public health and emergency response,” Armstrong said. “We’re thrilled to bring her expertise, passion and trusted voice to this key role as we continue working to make North Dakota the healthiest state in the nation.”
Adams is a registered sanitarian and environmental health specialist who began working in public health in 2004 and has led the Dickinson-based Southwestern District Health Unit since 2009, overseeing 35 staff across eight counties. She has worked in emergency preparedness and response for 21 years and is certified by the state and Federal Emergency Management Agency as an incident command instructor.
As state health officer, Adams will be a member of the governor’s Cabinet, advising on issues affecting public health. The state health officer’s statutory duties include providing strategy and policy advice to improve health and wellness, advising local public health officials, promoting the development of local health services and preventing the spread of communicable diseases. Adams will continue to serve in her current role with Southwestern District Health Unit while fulfilling her duties as state health officer on a part-time basis.
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