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County Executive Mike Callagy announced Thursday the appointment of Colleen Chawla as the new chief of San Mateo County Health, the largest department in the organization.
“I am very excited to introduce Colleen to our community. She brings tremendous enthusiasm to take on this leadership role that has a huge impact on so many of our residents,” said Callagy. “Her extensive experience in executive and health leadership will serve the county and community well today and in the future.”
Chawla comes to the Peninsula from Alameda County Health, where she has served as agency director since 2017.
The San Mateo County Board of Supervisors is expected to confirm Chawla's appointment on Tuesday. Chawla will take office Feb. 18, 2025, as head of a department with 2,200 employees and an annual budget of $1.3 billion.
Chawla attributes her interest in health policy and administration to her volunteer work more than three decades ago for an AIDS information hotline.
“That volunteer position marked the beginning of a career in health policy and public health, sustained over the years by the things I care most about: the right to health, equity and justice, and managing public trust,” Chawla said.
Chawla emerged as the leading candidate to succeed Louise Rogers, who has served as health chief since 2015. Rogers announced this fall that she would retire after 22 years of serving in numerous leadership roles at San Mateo County Health.
“I have known Colleen for many years,” Rogers said. “Together we have navigated many of the challenges of the pandemic as Bay Area health directors and she has always been calm and thoughtful in the face of everything that has come our way. She also seems to find grace and a sense of humor, as is often needed. I will retire with great confidence that the County Health Department is in good hands.”
Chawla holds a master's degree in public administration/health services administration from the University of San Francisco and a bachelor's degree in history from the University of Southern California. Prior to joining Alameda County, she held several positions during her 13 years with the San Francisco Department of Public Health, including deputy health director.
As Alameda County health director, Chawla has overseen 1,900 employees and a $1.2 billion annual budget in a county with a population more than twice that of San Mateo County.
The agency’s portfolio includes public health, behavioral health, environmental health, and housing and homelessness. One key difference: San Mateo County operates its own public hospital, San Mateo Medical Center; Alameda County has a separate agency that operates its public hospitals and clinics.
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