Jessie Stensland reports from the Island County Commissioners board meeting of Tue., Jan. 28, 2025 for the Whidbey News-Times. Read the whole story.
Island County’s former director of Public Health is also the future director.
Last week, Island County commissioners approved a contract with Shawn Morris to return to head the large department that oversees community health services, natural resources management, environmental health, communicable disease guidance and resources, community health assessments and more.
Morris left the job about five months ago for a job with the state which has since been eliminated, according to a county official. Morris could not be reached for comment.
The commissioners unanimously approved his employment contract.
At the regular meeting last week, Human Resources Director Catherine Reed said that Morris was “clearly the superior candidate” among those who applied for the role. He will earn about $125,000 a year, which she said was only slightly different than his former salary.
Before leaving last year, Morris wrote a letter to the editor that he grew up on Whidbey Island and that working with local government taught him the value of public service.
“Island County is focused on finding practical solutions for complex challenges,” he wrote. “In Public Health, our team works with county leadership and community partners to improve climate resilience, support families and seniors, expand housing availability, prevent disease and protect our unique island ecosystems. This past year, we strengthened relationships with community agencies and local businesses while expanding communication efforts. To foster a positive work environment, we focused on teamwork, appreciation and professional growth. I’m so proud of everything we accomplished together.”
