Polk County Appoints Juliann Van Liew as Next Health Department Director
Published 12/3/2024 9:46:39 AM
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Dec. 3, 2024
Polk County Appoints Juliann Van Liew as Next Health Department Director
(Des Moines, IA) — The Polk County Board of Supervisors has named Juliann Van Liew as the next Director of the Polk County Health Department (PCHD). She begins employment with PCHD on Dec. 18, and will train with current Director Helen Eddy until Eddy’s retirement on Jan. 17, 2025.
Van Liew has spent over a decade leading innovative public health initiatives at the local and state levels. She currently serves as the Wellness & Preventive Health Director at the Iowa Department of Health and Human Services, where she oversees programs such as WIC, maternal and child health, oral health, violence prevention, and others. She previously led the Unified Government Public Health Department in Wyandotte County, Kansas, and served as program manager for the Hennepin County Medical Center in Minneapolis.
"Juliann Van Liew’s proven ability to modernize public health systems, foster community partnerships, and advocate for equitable health outcomes aligns perfectly with the Polk County Health Department’s mission to create the conditions for all people to live healthy lives," said Angela Connolly, Chair of the Polk County Board of Supervisors. "We are thrilled to welcome a forward-thinking leader to guide our health department."
Van Liew is a graduate of Drake University with degrees in International Relations and Political Science. She also holds a Master of Public Health from the University of Minnesota and is currently pursuing a Doctorate in Public Health Policy from Johns Hopkins University. Van Liew has been recognized as a national leader in public health innovation, earning the 40 Under 40 in Public Health award from the de Beaumont Foundation in 2021.
“I am honored to be given the opportunity to put my public health experience and education to work for Polk County,” Van Liew said. “Local public health agencies are uniquely positioned to work alongside elected leaders, bring together partners, and leverage data and strategy to ensure we are building a community where all residents can thrive. I look forward to joining the Polk County team and seeing the impact we can make together.”
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The Polk County Health Department strives to create the conditions for all people to live healthy lives by engaging residents, reducing health disparities and attending to the needs of our most vulnerable families.
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Media Contact:
Addie Olson, Public Health Communications Officer
515.286.3848 (office) × 515.782.7236 (cell)