Yates appoints Sinclair as public health director

Yates appoints Sinclair as public health director

YATES COUNTY--At the Monday, Feb. 13 meeting of the Yates County legislature, Dr. Douglas Sinclair was unanimously appointed as the next director of public health for Yates County.
Sinclair's appointment comes after the former director of public health, Sara Christensen requested to return to her position as deputy director. Christensen has served with public health for 18 years, the last two years as the director.
"Serving as the director the past two years throughout the pandemic response was an honor even through the demands and challenges it brought to our department. As I re-focus my priorities on my family and raising our two children and being more fully present, I look forward to working with Doug and our great public health team as we continue to improve the health of our community." Deputy Director Sara Christensen said.
"Sara has done an excellent job for the county serving through the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic and we appreciate her continuing with our public health department," County Administrator Nonie Flynn said. "We welcome Dr. Sinclair as our new director of public health and I have no doubt that he will pick up where Sara left off and not miss a beat. We are fortunate to have someone with Dr. Sinclair's qualifications willing to take on the position and are sure that we have made an excellent selection."
Dr. Sinclair is an upstate New York native and brings over 12 years of healthcare and public health experience with him. He started his career as a public health practitioner in Atlanta, and then later obtained a master's degree in Public Health in 2002, and his Doctor of Medicine in 2008.
Legislature Chairwoman Leslie Church added, "Yates County is fortunate to have Dr. Sinclair accept the position for director of public health. He is more than capable of taking on the role to promote optimal health for all people in our community with integrity, compassion and commitment to excellence."
The search for a director of public health began in November 2022 and concluded in December after an interview committee made up of representatives from both the legislature and management team of Yates County made the recommendation to the legislature to authorize the appointment of Dr. Sinclair to the position.
Dr. Sinclair's appointment was successfully approved and he began working on Feb. 6.
"I am honored by the opportunity to serve with the Yates County public health team and look forward to strengthening our programs and partnerships over time," said Sinclair.
The director of public health position, in accordance with public health law, carries a six-year term.