Dr. Kathy Lofy, state health officer, resigning position
OLYMPIA, Wash. — Dr. Kathy Lofy, the state's health officer, announced Wednesday that she is resigning her position with the state Department of Health even as Washington continues to grapple with an ongoing COVID-19 pandemic that has resulted in the death of over 2,000 state residents.
In a written statement released by the state health agency, Lofy said she made the call to leave.
“This decision is my own, and it’s a personal one,” she said. “My only definitive plan after I leave the agency is to take a brief hiatus from my career to focus on being a mom, improving my health and reconnecting with friends and family.”
According to the department, Lofy had been in her post for nearly seven years but is planning to leave the role some time around the end of this year, although an exact date has not yet been set. Officials said the search for her replacement would begin in next month.
“We are very fortunate to have had Kathy Lofy looking out for the health of all Washingtonians," Gov. Jay Inslee said in the statement. “Kathy will be greatly missed but she’s earned this time off. I have no doubt that whatever endeavor she takes on next, she will bring the same focus, energy and commitment. I thank her for her incredible service and wish her the very best.”
“I am so grateful for the work Kathy has done throughout her tenure here, but I’m most thankful for her partnership in every major priority that the department has taken on in the last several years,” said Secretary of Health John Wiesman. “Her leadership, guidance and support have been invaluable.”
“I am so grateful for the work Kathy has done throughout her tenure here, but I’m most thankful for her partnership in every major priority that the department has taken on in the last several years,” said Secretary of Health John Wiesman. “Her leadership, guidance and support have been invaluable.”
With Lofy's resignation, the state health department will have new leadership in its top two positions.
In March, Wiesman submitted his resignation to Inslee after he accepted a faculty appointment at the University of North Carolina for a position set to start in July 2021.
