Mecklenburg public health director is leaving to run New Jersey’s state department

Mecklenburg County’s chief public health official is leaving for a new position.

Raynard Washington, Mecklenburg public health director since 2021, is stepping down effective Tuesday, the county announced Thursday. He’s been nominated by the governor-elect of New Jersey to serve as the state’s next Department of Health commissioner, the county’s statement said.

Kimberly Scott, an assistant health director of the county’s Population Health Division, will take over as interim health director.

“Serving as Mecklenburg County Health Director has been an absolute honor,” Washington said in a statement. “I am so proud of our public health team and all that we have accomplished during some of the most challenging times for public health. While I’ll miss Mecklenburg County and my colleagues, I know the team here will continue the work to make health possible for everyone.”

Washington joined Mecklenburg County as a deputy health director in March 2020, the same month the COVID-19 pandemic upended health in the Charlotte area and across the world. He was promoted to director in 2021.

In addition to helping guide Mecklenburg’s pandemic response, the county noted Washington also established North Carolina’s first Office of Violence Prevention, expanded clinic and mobile health services and led the health department to “accreditation with honors” from the NC Local Public Health Accreditation Board.

County Manager Mike Bryant praised Washington for his “unique leadership style, expertise, and contributions to Mecklenburg County” which Bryant said “transcended his role as public health director.”

“An incredibly skilled and resourceful public servant, he played a vital role in helping our community navigate a series of health challenges and transitions … I am grateful for his immeasurable contributions as he joins the growing list of county leaders who have been elevated to serve at a higher level. We will miss him but wish him the very best,” Bryant said in a statement.