Lake County Gazette

Mark Pfister became the new Lake County Health Department and Community Health Center executive director on Jan. 28.

He had been serving as interim executive director since June 18, 2016.

“Mr. Pfister has built an outstanding track record over the 26 years he has served at the Health Department,” Board of Health President Tim Sashko said. “He has demonstrated strong skills in strategic leadership and fiscal management. He is passionate about Lake County and has a clear-eyed vision for reaching our goal to achieve the highest level of health for all in the county. The Board of Health has complete faith in his vision having worked closely with him for so many years.”

For the post, Pfister will be responsible for over 60 public health, behavioral health and medical programs throughout Lake County. The county employs approximately 1,000 people and has an annual budget of $70 million.

Pfister has been a part of the Lake County Health Department since 1991 when he worked as the Lakes Management Unit aquatic biologist and program coordinator. In the 1980s, he volunteered in Cameroon, West Africa, with the Peace Corps.

Pfister received his bachelor's in biology, psychology and environmental science from Augustana College and a master's in environmental science from Indiana University at Bloomington. He is currently working on a doctorate in public health from the University of Illinois-Chicago School of Public Health.