Hoffman appointed as next Health Department Director

Starting October 1, 2020, Suzanne Hoffman will begin as the Benton County interim Health Department Director for a two-year appointment.

Hoffman brings over twenty years of public sector experience with the State of Oregon, the last five at the Oregon Health Authority. As the Chief Operating Officer, she simultaneously held interim appointments as the Public Health Officer (2013) and the Agency Director (2014-2015). She finished her service at the Oregon Health Authority as the Interim Health Analytics Director in 2016, transitioning to LifeWorks NW, a non-profit behavioral health organization, in 2017.

“I have absolute confidence that Suzanne Hoffman can and will lead our Health Department towards a stable future. Her professional experience shows she is a leader with a specialized skillset to stabilize through change, uncertainty, and transition,” said Joe Kerby, Benton County Administrator.

In addition to her interim roles at Oregon Health Authority, Hoffman has held interim leadership roles at Oregon Patient Safety Commission and the Oregon State Board of Nursing. She earned both a B.S. and a M.P.H. from Portland State University.

“Stepping into interim leadership roles have been some of the most memorable and satisfying of my career. Whether it’s a crisis situation or the absence of a longtime leader, my leadership style meshes well these types of appointments. I look forward to bringing leadership and stability while building a bridge for Benton County to recruit at a better time,” said Suzanne Hoffman.

Several weeks ago three candidates were invited to interview with Benton County employees, stakeholders and members of our community. One candidate withdrew; Benton County was unable to reach a successful employment agreement with the two other candidates. Faced with an unanticipated situation, the county adapted the recruitment process and then extensively vetted, interviewed and examined their viable candidates.