Benton County names new Interim Health Department Director

April Holland has been appointed Interim Health Department Director for Benton County effective March 15, 2023. April will be stepping in to replace outgoing Director, Suzanne Hoffman, who departs the Health Department to serve as the Interim County Administrator. 

April joined Benton County as the Deputy Director of Public Health in December of 2020, at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic response. As our local public health administrator, she successfully led our community and organization through the continuing challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic and other emergency responses by ensuring close collaboration and coordination with community partners. 

April came to the Benton County Health Department from California where she oversaw Epidemiology, Communicable Disease, Immunizations, Vital Statistics and Public Health Preparedness programs. April earned her Master of Public Health degree from Oregon State University. She has many years of experience in operations, policy and community public health work with a focus on integrating all facets of public health. 

Through a communication style that combines diplomacy, clarity and a trauma-informed approach, April’s commitment to the values of equity, diversity and inclusion is ever present. Her exceptional skills and her commitment to the well-being of the community will continue to serve the Health Department and the County well.

The Health Department is grateful to April for assuming this interim role as we take the time to plan for a recruitment process for the permanent position.