Dr. Theresa Cullen Departs ADHS for Valleywise Health
Dr. Theresa Cullen, Arizona’s Director of Health Services, is stepping down from her state role to take on a new challenge right here in Phoenix. She will transition to Valleywise Health as its Chief Public Health Officer, a move that significantly reshapes the landscape of public health leadership in our very own community, bringing her expertise closer to home.
A Legacy of Service at ADHS During Challenging Times
Appointed by Governor Katie Hobbs, Dr. Cullen led the Arizona Department of Health Services (ADHS) through a critical period, particularly in the ongoing recovery and re-evaluation post-COVID-19 pandemic. Her tenure was marked by dedicated efforts to rebuild public trust in state health agencies, enhance disease surveillance, and address persistent health disparities across Arizona’s diverse population. Previously, she served as the Pima County Health Director and held significant roles with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the U.S. Indian Health Service, bringing a wealth of experience in public health, infectious diseases, and health equity to the state level.
During her leadership, Dr. Cullen was often a familiar and steady voice for Arizonans, communicating complex health information, guiding public health policy through legislative sessions, and ensuring the delivery of essential health services. She navigated the intricate balance of public health imperatives and the varied political realities, striving to protect and improve the health outcomes for all Arizonans, from urban centers to rural communities. Her focus included strengthening the state’s public health infrastructure and preparing for future health crises.
Dr. Cullen’s New Role at Valleywise Health
Dr. Cullen will assume her new position as Chief Public Health Officer at Valleywise Health on July 22. This role presents a unique opportunity for her to focus more directly on local community health initiatives within Maricopa County. Valleywise Health is a vital safety-net healthcare system, comprising Valleywise Health Medical Center, Valleywise Behavioral Health Center, and a network of 12 community health centers, providing essential services to underserved and vulnerable populations throughout the Phoenix metropolitan area.
As CPHO, Dr. Cullen will be instrumental in developing and implementing strategies to improve community health outcomes, enhance preventative care programs, and vigorously address social determinants of health such as access to food, housing, and transportation. Her extensive expertise in population health, infectious disease management, and experience leading large-scale health systems will be a considerable asset to Valleywise Health’s foundational mission of providing compassionate and quality care to all who need it, regardless of their ability to pay. This new role aligns perfectly with her career-long dedication to equitable public health.
What This Means for Phoenix Locals and Maricopa County
For residents of Phoenix and Maricopa County, Dr. Cullen’s move represents a significant strengthening of local public health efforts. Her leadership at Valleywise Health is expected to boost initiatives aimed at improving access to primary care, expanding mental health services, promoting health equity, and fostering healthier communities from the ground up. This shift allows her to apply her well-honed skills and experience to a more localized, direct, and impactful level, focusing on the specific health needs and challenges faced by our immediate community. Expect to see enhanced programs targeted at prevention and community wellness.
Comparing Roles: Statewide vs. Local Community Impact
| Role | Primary Geographic Scope | Key Responsibilities & Focus |
|---|---|---|
| ADHS Director | All of Arizona (Statewide) | Developing and implementing state health policy, managing statewide public health emergencies, overseeing disease surveillance and control programs, licensing healthcare facilities, public health advocacy. |
| Valleywise Chief Public Health Officer | Maricopa County (Local) | Designing and executing community health programs, advancing health equity initiatives, enhancing preventative care strategies, addressing social determinants of health for diverse, often underserved, local populations. |
The Path Ahead for ADHS Leadership
Dr. Cullen’s last day at ADHS is scheduled for July 19. Governor Hobbs has appointed Don Herrington, the current Assistant Director of Administration for ADHS, as the interim director. Herrington brings a strong administrative background to the role and has valuable prior experience, having served as interim director during a past leadership transition at ADHS. The search for a permanent replacement will commence shortly, a crucial process given the immense importance of the ADHS director position to statewide public health, safety, and preparedness for future health challenges facing Arizona.
FAQs About Dr. Cullen’s Transition and Local Health
- Who is Dr. Theresa Cullen?
She is Arizona’s outgoing Director of the Department of Health Services (ADHS), appointed by Governor Katie Hobbs, known for her leadership during and after the COVID-19 pandemic. - Where is she going next and what will her role be?
Dr. Cullen is moving to Valleywise Health to serve as its Chief Public Health Officer, focusing on community health initiatives within Maricopa County. - What is Valleywise Health and why is it important to locals?
Valleywise Health is Maricopa County’s public healthcare system, including a major medical center and multiple clinics. It serves as a vital safety-net provider for many local residents, including the uninsured and underinsured, making it critical for community health. - When does her new role at Valleywise Health begin?
She will officially start at Valleywise Health on July 22, 2024. Her last day at ADHS is July 19, 2024. - Who will lead ADHS now that she is leaving?
Don Herrington, current Assistant Director of Administration for ADHS, has been named interim director. A statewide search for a permanent replacement will be initiated soon.
Dr. Cullen’s transition reinforces the importance of strong, experienced leadership in local public health. Phoenix residents can expect continued dedicated efforts to improve community well-being through Valleywise Health’s expanded focus on preventative care, health equity, and direct community engagement, ensuring that top-tier public health expertise remains a cornerstone of our local healthcare landscape.
Dr Theresa Cullen Departs ADHS for Valleywise Health
