Jennie Sutcliffe is Tompkins County’s new Whole Health Commissioner.
Sutcliffe was appointed to the position at Tuesday’s legislature meeting and has been confirmed by both the Board of Health and the Community Services Board. The appointment is pending final approval from the state Department of Health.
“Sutcliffe’s deep experience, policy acumen, and emergency response leadership make her exceptionally qualified to guide Tompkins County Whole Health into its next chapter,” commented Dan Klein, Chair of the Legislature.
In 2023, the county’s Public Health Department and Mental Health Services Department became Tompkins County Whole Health.
Sutcliffe has over a decade in public health leadership, emergency preparedness, health policy, and cross-sector collaboration. As Senior Advisor in the Office of Emergency Preparedness and Response in New York City, she was crucial in planning and implementing responses to COVID-19 and Mpox.
She also has international experience as a Fulbright Research Scholar in Italy and an External Relations Fellow in the United Kingdom. In the UK, she also earned a Master of Science in Philosophy and Public Policy at the London School of Economics and Political Science.
“It is an honor and privilege to be offered the chance to lead such a talented and dedicated department. I grew up in Tompkins County and have spent my career in government and health, so stepping into this role is immensely exciting for me,” Jennie Sutcliffe shared, “Tompkins County is such a vibrant community, I’m looking forward to leading collaboratively with everyone at Whole Health to meet the mental and public health needs of our community.”
Sutcliffe’s appointment will be effective July 7.
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