Message From The Director

Health Services Director Anna Roth has promoted several key members of the Contra Costa Health Services (CCHS) leadership team to new or expanded assignments this summer as our organization evolves to meet the changing health needs of the communities we serve.

Recently promoted leaders include:

• Lavonna Martin, Deputy Health Director. Ms. Martin joins Erika Jenssen and Randy Sawyer as the third deputy reporting directly to Director Roth. In her new position she oversees the Division of Health, Housing and Homeless Services (H3) and Detention Health, the program providing healthcare to clients in Contra Costa's detention system.

  Ms. Martin joined CCHS in 2000, helping to lead our services for residents experiencing homelessness, and she served as the inaugural director of the newly formed H3 division in 2016. For her contributions to the community, State Senator Steve Glazer named her District 7 Woman of the Year in 2021.

• Dan Peddycord, Climate and Health Policy Officer. After six years as CCHS' public health director, Mr. Peddycord is transitioning to a new role as the department's policy leader regarding the health impacts of climate change. He will help to guide the county's efforts to better prepare and protect Contra Costa residents from the effects of climate change, such as drought, seasonal wildfires and the accompanying poor air quality.

  Mr. Peddycord joined CCHS in 2015 as Director of Public Health, overseeing our Public Health Division and leading many important community health initiatives in our county, from tobacco prevention to violence prevention to safe disposal of opioids and other drugs. He brings more than 23 years of experience in public health to his new position.

• Dr. Ori Tzvieli, Director of Public Health. Dr. Tzvieli takes the helm of our Public Health Division, overseeing its clinic services, communicable disease, community wellness and prevention and numerous other programs. He will report to Deputy Director Jenssen and continue to serve as a deputy health officer, working with the team led by Dr. Chris Farnitano.

  Dr. Tzvieli will also continue as operations chief for the county's emergency response to the COVID-19 pandemic. He previously served as medical director for Public Health Clinical Services, ambulatory care medical director for Contra Costa Regional Medical Center & Health Centers, and as a primary care physician at Concord Health Center. He joined CCHS in 2000 as a resident at the Family Medicine Program at Contra Costa Regional Medical Center.

"Ms. Martin, Mr. Peddycord and Dr. Tzvieli bring a wealth of experience, local knowledge, and dedication to their new roles at CCHS," Director Roth said. "They are helping our department and all of Contra Costa rise to meet the growing public health challenges facing our communities, and continue to promote good health for all county residents, with special attention to the most vulnerable."

Please join us in congratulating them.

Anna M.Roth RN, MS, MPH
Health Director, Contra Costa County