Ortiz named County Health and Human Services Director
The Tulare County Board of Supervisors has appointed Donna Ortiz as the Tulare County Health and Human Services Director.
Ortiz will officially take the role on October 23. The board appointed Ortiz to the position on October 4. Tulare County Fifth District Supervisor Dennis Townsend made the motion to appoint her that was seconded by Pete Vander Poel. Ortiz was unanimously appointed with Supervisors Amy Shuklian, Larry Micari and board chair Eddie Valero also approving her appointment.
“Donna is an excellent choice for the HHSA Director position,” stated Valero. “Her long-standing commitment to public service with HHSA, combined with her organizational knowledge and focus on wholeperson care will greatly benefit Tulare County Health and Human Services Agency.”
Ortiz has more than 28 years of experience working in public service. She has worked in a leadership role within the Human Services branch overseeing TULAREWORKS and previously served in the capacity of the Director of Mental Health and Substance Use Disorder programs.
Ortiz brings a wealth of knowledge and experience assisting her in developing and implementing an array of programs and services that provide safety net and healthcare support services for children, families, and individuals. She’s involved and committed to addressing homelessness in Tulare County and values internal and external partnerships, the county stated.
She strongly supports treating the whole person through a coordinated care delivery model and her goals and objectives aligns with the agency’s vision of “Healthy children and adults, supportive families and thriving communities,” the county added.
Ortiz stated, “What an honor and a privilege it is to be chosen to serve as director of the Health & Human Services Agency. I am grateful for the opportunity and appreciate the confidence the Board has in my abilities to oversee the agency.
“I look forward to continuing to build upon our past successes with our collaborative partnerships, and I am committed to serving the community with care, compassion, and respect.”
County chief administrative officer Jason Britt stated, “I look forward to working with Donna in her new role. Her experience, leadership ability, and expertise will serve this county well.”