Westom named EHS Director for Washoe County Health District

New director will lead staff of over 40 employees responsible for many key environmental issues

RENO, NV – Chad Westom, REHS, formerly Chief of the Bureau of Preparedness, Assurance, Inspections, and Statistics (PAIS) at the Nevada Division of Public and Behavioral Health, has been named Director of the Washoe County Health District Environmental Health Services Division (EHS). Washoe County District Health Officer Kevin Dick made the announcement following a lengthy national search to fill the vacant position. 

In addition to Westom’s experience as Bureau Chief at PAIS, he previously managed the State of Nevada’s Environmental Health Program.  Westom also held positions with Underwriters Laboratory/Everclean Services Inc., the Hennepin County Health Department, NSF International, the St. Joseph Area Chamber of Commerce Commercial Waste Reduction Program, and SSCI Environmental Services.  He is a national and state Registered Environmental Health Specialist. 

“Mr. Westom possesses a tremendous amount of experience and a thorough knowledge of our community’s needs in the area of environmental health,” said Dick. “Chad has a strong record of accomplishment throughout his career and I am certain he will bring the necessary direction and leadership we need in our Environmental Health Services Division,” Dick added. 

Westom is a graduate of the University of Houston (TX) with a Bachelor of Science in Natural Sciences/ Environmental Management, and a graduate of the Great Basin Public Health Leadership Institute in Carson City, Nevada.  He will be responsible for leadership of the Washoe County Health District Environmental Health Services Division with a staff of 45 employees. EHS ensures compliance with local, state and federal laws regulating food, waste, water, vector and other areas of public health. Many programs require enforcement. Strong education components promoting a collaborative approach to meet public health standards are also emphasized. 

More information about the Washoe County Health District Environmental Health Services Division can be found at www.washoecounty.us/health/programs-and-services/environmental-health/index.php.

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