11 Mar Contra Costa County Appoints Interim Health Director

(Contra Costa Health Services via Bay City News)

CC Pulse Staff Report

The Contra Costa County Board of Supervisors on Tuesday appointed Dr. Ori Tzvieli as interim director of health services. Tzvieli, also the county health officer, will hold both posts while the county conducts a search for a permanent chief executive officer and health director for Contra Costa Health Services.

County officials said the appointment would ensure continuity in health services as well as progress on health initiatives.

Tzvieli joined CCH in 2000 as a family medicine resident at Contra Costa Regional Medical Center. He has held a number of leadership roles, including medical staff president, ambulatory care medical director and, most recently, public health director and health officer for the county.

He received his medical degree from UCSF and a Master of Health Science from the UC Berkeley School of Public Health.

During his time with CCH, Tzvieli has championed efforts to address opioid addiction. He also helped lead the county’s emergency response to COVID-19, including testing, vaccination, case investigation and contact tracing. Officials noted that he also was involved in nursing and clinical services, communicable disease surveillance and prevention programs, and other work to improve community wellness. That included senior nutrition programs and services supporting family, maternal and child health.

He replaces longtime CCH CEO and Health Director Anna M. Roth. She retired in February after 32 years of working for the county to start this month as president and CEO of Tahoe Forest Health System.

“Anna has been a transformative leader for Contra Costa Health, and while we will deeply miss her visionary leadership, we are confident in and excited about Ori’s expertise and dedication to continue the county’s mission,” said Board Chair and District 2 Supervisor Candace Andersen. “This transition marks an important moment for the county, and we are committed to supporting a seamless leadership change while continuing to prioritize the well-being of our residents.”

As health director, Roth led the growth of a $3 billion integrated health system that serves more than 1 million residents. Under her leadership, the county expanded safety-net services, strengthened behavioral and physical health integration, and launched programs to address homelessness, environmental health, and emergency medical services.

The Board of Supervisors plans to begin the recruitment process soon to fill the position permanently.