Epidemiologist Eve Walter, who was appointed by Ulster County Executive Jen Metzger to the position of Director of Public Health after a rigorous selection process, has been confirmed by the County Legislature at its October session by a vote of 13 to 10. 

Dr. Walter holds a doctorate in Epidemiology — the study of disease and how it spreads among populations — and brings to the position 25 years of public health experience and a person-centered approach to community health. During her career, Walter has partnered with the Centers for Disease Control, the National Association of Community Health Centers, the National Institute of Health, and academic and community partners to reduce health disparities and improve patient care. She has also consulted for the NYS Office of Addiction Services, served as Vice President for Population Health at the Institute for Family Health, and authored over 30 academic papers. As a former County Legislator, she also brings to the position a deep knowledge of County government operations and budget. 

As required by state law, her appointment to the position of Public Health Director was reviewed and approved by Dr. James V. McDonald, the New York State Commissioner of Health.

"Eve Walter is the perfect choice as our new Director of Public Health, and I am happy to welcome her to this important position," said Ulster County Executive Jen Metzger. "She brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise in public health, as well as an unwavering commitment to the health and wellness of our communities across Ulster County. I want to thank the Legislature for recognizing all that she brings to the table, and for acting in the best interests of all of our residents."

"I’m thrilled that the Legislature has voted to confirm Dr. Eve Walter as Ulster County Director of Health," said Peter Criswell, Chair of the Ulster County Legislature. "Throughout my time working alongside her, especially during the creation of our upcoming Crisis Stabilization Center, I’ve seen firsthand her intelligence, dedication, and visionary approach to addressing the needs of our community. Dr. Walter’s 25 years of experience in public health and her expertise as an epidemiologist make her the ideal leader for this role. I’m confident that she will help guide Ulster County through the complex public health challenges of today and tomorrow, and I’m grateful to my colleagues for recognizing her qualifications and supporting this important appointment."

"Dr. Walter brings to the County a wealth of knowledge about public health policy and implementation,” said Majority Leader Abe Uchitelle, Chair of the Legislature's Health, Human Services, and Housing Committee. “Her expertise and qualifications perfectly line up with the demands of this role, and I am now more confident than ever that the health of our County's residents is in good hands."

“As the Chair of the Board of Health, I was happy to participate in the interview process for a new Director of Public Health,” said Stephanie Turco, Ulster County Board of Health Chair. “Dr. Walter was my first choice for a number of reasons, and I have every expectation that she will do an excellent job for the citizens of Ulster County. As someone who was on the board through the Covid-19 pandemic, I’m fully aware of the responsibilities of the department, especially when it comes to disease management and public health. I applaud the Legislature for confirming Dr. Walter.”

“As a physician in this community for more than 30 years, both in primary care and in the hospital, and as a member of the Board of Health for six years, I interviewed Dr. Walter together with other members of the Board, and we feel she is an excellent candidate for the position,” said Gina Carena, MD, former Ulster County Board of Health member and current Ulster County Medical Consultant. “She is motivated and energetic, and she has great ideas which, if implemented, would substantially and positively impact the health of our community. A person with a doctorate in epidemiology is the perfect person to run the Public Health Department.”

Walter will serve in the role of Ulster County Director of Public Health for a six-year term.