Somers appoints new director for Snohomish County Health Department

Published 1:10 pm Monday, September 22, 2025

EVERETT — Snohomish County Executive Dave Somers has appointed Kim VanPelt as the new director of the county health department.

The appointment comes after former director Dennis Worsham began his new role as the state’s secretary of health in July. VanPelt will start in the role Oct. 20, according to a Monday press release from the county.

VanPelt most recently served as deputy director for programming and development at the Pima County Health Department in Arizona. She had held the position since 2022, overseeing community engagement, health prevention and promotion, health equity, and more.

“Kim VanPelt brings a wealth of experience overseeing a diverse body of work, building community engagement, and leading the planning and evaluation of strategic goals,” Somers said in the release. “Our public health professionals work every day to keep people safe and healthy. Their efforts locally and regionally are especially important right now. I am excited for Kim to lead that team here in Snohomish County.”

Prior to her role in Pima County, VanPelt was the chief regional officer for an Arizona organization that funds early learning and health programs, First Things First. She’s also worked in various roles relating to health policy and advocacy in the public and nonprofit sectors. VanPelt holds bachelor’s degrees in economics and history from Arizona State University and a master’s degree in public administration from the State University of New York at Albany.

“She brings incredible experience and connections, and has a long history of health equity work and increasing access to health services,” Snohomish County Health Officer Dr. James Lewis said in the release. “Her work partnering with communities to advance public health is exemplary and her efforts leading response to the opioid epidemic is a great match for Snohomish County. She also has the background and skills to help us navigate these challenging times for public health.”

The Snohomish County Council will decide whether to confirm VanPelt at an upcoming meeting, according to the release. Somers appointed VanPelt after an “extensive national search” and input from county leadership, health department staff and community partners, the release said.

“I am excited to join the County team and to work collaboratively with community partners to improve health for Snohomish County residents,” VanPelt said in the release.

Jenna Peterson: 425-339-3486; jenna.peterson@heraldnet.com; X: @jennarpetersonn.