The Board of County Commissioners of Garrett County and the Department of Health & Mental Hygiene are pleased to announce the hiring of Mr. Robert Stephens, as the Health Officer for Garrett County. Mr. Stephens assumed these new duties on July 5, 2017.

Mr. Stephens earned his Bachelor’s Degree from West Virginia Wesleyan College in 1980 and his Master of Science Degree from Frostburg State University in 1985. Mr. Stephens has worked for the Garrett County Health Department for the past 17 years and has served as the Director of Behavioral and Family Health since 2000.

Mr. Stephens has dedicated his career to public health. Prior to joining the Health Department, he was the Interim Executive Director for the Mr. Laurel Medical Center during their formation, President and CEO of the Garrett County Partnership for Children and Families, Inc. At the Health Department, he was responsible for Behavioral Health, WIC, Health Education and Outreach, Early Care, Planning, the Dental Clinic, and the Behavioral Health Authority. Mr. Stephens served as the Accreditation Coordinator for both the public health (PHAB) and behavioral health (CARF) accreditation.

“We are pleased to recommend Bob as the County Health Officer. I’m confident he’ll be an excellent Public Health Officer for Garrett County” said Commissioner Paul Edwards. “Bob is dedicated to those served by the Health Department and he has demonstrated his commitment to the community and the citizens of the County”.