Governor’s head of Utah Department of Health stepping down

Mike Patton, recently stepped down as executive director of the Utah Department of Health, undated | Photo courtesy of the Offices of Gov. Herbert, St. George News

SALT LAKE CITY — After serving four years as executive director of the Utah Department of Health, David Patton will leave the administration to pursue opportunities in the private sector.

Gov. Gary Herbert praised Patton for leading the department through challenges of disease outbreaks and major upheavals in health reform. During his tenure, he has led the agency’s response to a flu pandemic, measles and pertussis outbreaks and prepared for Ebola and natural disaster threats.

“Dr. Patton has done a tremendous job leading our health department,” Herbert said. “He has worked tirelessly through a number of challenges, most notably to find the best way to bring healthcare coverage to the most vulnerable among us while respecting the contributions of the Utah taxpayer.”

Patton expressed his appreciation for the improved working relationships with local health departments, the legislature and partners in the community he helped to build during his time at the health department.

It has been an honor to serve the citizens of Utah with Gov. Herbert,” Patton said. “With the changing dynamics in healthcare policy over the past few years, it has been an exciting and rewarding time to be immersed in health policy and the governor’s health initiatives.”

Patton will continue with the department through July 31 to support the governor’s efforts to bring health care coverage to nearly 100,000 Utahns who are without health insurance. The administration will conduct a nationwide search for a successor.

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