Copyright Santa Rosa Press Democrat
The Sonoma County Board of Supervisors has appointed a new interim health officer to fill the county’s top public health job while the county’s search for a long-term replacement continues. The board on Tuesday appointed Dr. Michael Stacey to a one-year contract beginning Nov. 1, making him the county’s fifth health officer in as many years. He will replace Dr. Karen Smith, who has been serving in the interim role since October 2024 and is ready to return to retirement, Health Services Director Nolan Sullivan told the board on Tuesday. The county had already extended Smith’s contract twice. Sullivan called Stacey a “really exciting hire,” found “after an extensive search” that spanned months. Stacey’s 12-month contract includes a $348,298 salary and two optional six-month extensions that each cannot exceed $174,149. Stacey previously worked as chief medical officer at LifeLong Medical Care, a network of health centers that provide health, dental and social services throughout the Bay Area. His prior experience included roles with Solano County as its deputy director of health and social services and as medical services director, where he oversaw federally qualified health centers and public health programs. His previously co-chaired the Bay Area Regional Health Inequities Initiative and served in the U.S. Air Force, while also practicing medicine abroad, according to the county. The county has struggled to retain a long-term health officer since 2023, when Dr. Sundari Mase left for a job with the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Mase served as the county’s health officer during the pandemic. The health officer is the county’s chief medical officer and top health policy official, granted authority from the state to declare public health emergencies, issue health orders and impose penalties for noncompliance. The pandemic and its immediate aftermath triggered a mass exodus of health officers and public health professionals across the country. Many cited burnout and increased stress related to the pandemic and steady departure of health care professionals. After Mase’s departure, two interim health officers filled the role — including Smith — until the county appointed Dr. Tanya Phares to the permanent role in November 2023. But Phares, who previously practiced internal medicine and served as a health care executive in Reno, submitted her resignation in 2024, less than a year after stepping into the role. In a statement issued at the time, Phares said she missed practicing medicine and planned to return to clinical practice. Stacey’s appointment was advanced with minimal comment Tuesday from the Board of Supervisors. Stacey was not present for the meeting but Sullivan said he planned to bring him before the board soon. The county will continue its search for a permanent health officer during Stacey’s tenure. The county’s services agreement with Stacey includes an option to terminate his contract early if the county successfully recruits a permanent hire. You can reach Staff Writer Emma Murphy at 707-521-5228 or emma.murphy@pressdemocrat.com. On X @MurphReports.
