Dr. Lucy Wilson Named New Baltimore County Health Director

Baltimore County Executive Johnny Olszewski and Maryland Department of Health Secretary Dr. Laura Herrera Scott
announced that Dr. Lucy Wilson has been named County Health Officer and Director of the Department of Health and Human Services.

“The health and wellness of our communities – as well as upholding Baltimore County’s high-quality public health services for all – remains a top priority,” said Baltimore County Executive Johnny Olszewski. “Dr. Wilson’s extensive experience and commitment to addressing the needs of our residents make her the ideal choice for the role of health officer. I am excited to see how her leadership will help keep Baltimore County healthy and thriving for future generations.”

As Baltimore County’s Health Officer and the Director of Health and Human Services, Dr. Wilson will be responsible for internal governance and administrative purposes for the county Department of Health and Human Services.

Dr. Wilson brings over 20 years of medical expertise and public health leadership to the department, having most recently served as Medical Advisor to the Maryland Secretary of Health, guiding both that office and the Governor’s Office in decisions regarding the State’s response to COVID-19. Prior to that, she served for ten years as Chief for the Maryland Department of Health’s Center for Surveillance, Infection Protection and Outbreak Response. For the past six years, she has served as Professor and Graduate Program Director at UMBC Department of Emergency Health and Disaster Systems and as Senior Advisor to the University for Public Health and Pandemic Response.

“Improving the health of Marylanders, and advancing health equity, requires dedicated leadership and public health expertise. Dr. Wilson has those qualities and more,” Dr. Kalyanaraman said. “We look forward to working closely with Dr. Wilson, the Baltimore County Health Department, and the county government to continue serving Baltimore County residents.”

She received a B.A. in Behavioral Biology from Johns Hopkins University, an M.S. in Population & International Health from Harvard University School of Public Health, and Doctor of Medicine from University of Maryland School of Medicine. Dr. Wilson has been widely published and recognized during her distinguished career.

“I am honored to work with County Executive Olszewski, Baltimore County leaders, and my DHHS colleagues to address critical public health issues across our communities,” said Dr. Wilson. “I’m eager to get to work ensuring equitable, high-quality public health services, using innovative, person-centered approaches, and improving health and quality of life outcomes for all Baltimore County residents.”

The Health Officer is a state position subject to the State Personnel Management System and reports to the Deputy Secretary, Public Health Services, of the Maryland Department of Health as well as the County Executive.

The appointment of Dr. Wilson will be subject to confirmation by an affirmative vote of a majority of the members of the County Council.

B.J. Joseph

Benjamin Joesph has covered news in Eastern Baltimore County since 2006. He started as a reporter with the original East County Times in 2006. He started East Baltco News and later Eastcountytimes.com in 2022.