Washington joined Mecklenburg County in March 2020 as deputy health director and was promoted to director in 2021.
CHARLOTTE, N.C. โ Mecklenburg County Health Director Dr. Raynard Washington will resign effective Jan. 20, according to a county announcement.
New Jersey Gov.-elect Mikie Sherrill has nominated Washington as the state’s next Department of Health commissioner. Washington joined Mecklenburg County in March 2020 as deputy health director and was promoted to director in 2021.
“Serving as Mecklenburg County Health Director has been an absolute honor,” Washington said in a press release. “I am so proud of our public health team and all that we have accomplished during some of the most challenging times for public health.”
The Board of County Commissioners appointed Dr. Kimberly Scott as interim health director. Scott serves as assistant health director of the Population Health Division and has more than 15 years of public health experience in local government, nonprofit organizations and academia.
During his tenure, Washington coordinated the county’s COVID-19 response, implementing a countywide testing and immunization program focused on vulnerable communities. He established North Carolina’s first Office of Violence Prevention and created The Way Forward strategic plan for a data-driven public health approach to reducing violence.
Washington expanded access to public health services through mobile health units providing pediatric dental services, HIV/STI screening and immunizations at community sites, and new partnerships with safety net providers for primary care. He oversaw the county’s response to infectious disease threats, including the 2022 mpox outbreak, which received national recognition.
Under his leadership, the department secured external funding for workforce development, community engagement and maternal and child health initiatives. Washington hosted the county’s first regional syphilis summit for healthcare providers, MeckDesign Day for community health improvement planning and a community health worker summit for local providers.
Mecklenburg County Public Health achieved Accreditation with Honors from the North Carolina Local Public Health Accreditation Board during his tenure.
“Dr. Washington’s unique leadership style, expertise, and contributions to Mecklenburg County transcended his role as public health director,” County Manager Mike Bryant said. “He played a vital role in helping our community navigate a series of health challenges and transitions.”
For the latest breaking news, weather and traffic alerts that impact you from WCNC Charlotte, download the WCNC Charlotte mobile app and enable push notifications.
