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ImageTompkins County is preparing to bid a fond farewell to Public Health Director Alice Cole, who has served the County for 21 years, the last 17 as Public Health Director.  Director Cole will retire June 30.

Alice Cole began service with the County in April 1989 as a Supervising Public Health Nurse and Director of Patient Services, then was appointed Public Health Director in July 1993.

“Alice has done an incredible job of managing a department that delivers a diverse array of critical services and that is on the front lines in the fight against threats to the public’s health—most recently the effort to control the spread of H1N1,” says County Administrator Joe Mareane. “She has been a tenacious and effective advocate of programs that promote public health and the staff who deliver those programs.  Alice led the Health Department into the 21st century, with new technologies, new programs to address new challenges, and even a new building.  She has accomplished much, and we will miss her greatly.”

Former County Administrator Scott Heyman, who appointed Cole public health director, notes, “Alice is the very rarest of leaders.  She succeeds at all aspects of her position—few people ever do this.  She is perhaps best known in the community as a powerful advocate for, and educator about, the services her department's staff provides; she truly is the keeper of the vision of public health.”

“I want to thank everyone I've interacted with over the past 21 years,” says Director Cole.  “Our county is blessed with such rich resources—all the people I have worked with on all levels have true compassion and dedication to their jobs.  Public health has changed so much since ‘9-1-1,’ and the staff has had to adapt and face some very interesting challenges. We've all learned and grown together to advocate for services that benefit the residents of Tompkins County.”

Among the many highlights of Alice’s career:

  • Initiated the county’s Bloodborne Pathogen initiative and County Health and Safety programs;.
  • Following two county deaths from meningitis in 1995, handled multiple press conferences and educational presentations to convey a clear public health message and minimize fear;
  • Co-facilitated with AIDSWORK a harm reduction coalition, developing a needle exchange program;
  • Served as president of the county Health Planning Council in 2002, 2006, 2007, and 2008; treasurer in 2005; secretary in 2009 and 2010;
  • Was a key member of the Tompkins County Dental Services Advisory Committee, which resulted in an ongoing dental case management program;
  • Guided and supported her staff through many public health crises during the last 17 years, most recently, the H1N1 pandemic;

In a resolution of appreciation approved unanimously earlier this month, the County Legislature recognized “the many significant contributions Alice has made to promote, protect, and improve the health of the people of Tompkins County.” It praised Director Cole as “a powerful educator and advocate about public health services, emerging critical issues, and essential funding needs in the community” and as one who is “known and respected for her leadership, passion for public health, and encouraging staff to seek creative ways to provide service while maintaining efficiency, effectiveness, and high standards of public service to the community.”

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