For immediate release
Oct. 24, 2026
New DIRECTOR Aims to Improve Health Outcomes through Collaboration
Kim Van Pelt has had a long career of improving the health and wellbeing of individuals, families and communities. Now she brings her leadership skills to Snohomish County.
“I’m thrilled to be a in place where there are so many great, talented people,” said Van Pelt, who started this week as director of the Snohomish County Health Department. “I’m really hopeful that we can make great change in this county in terms of improving health outcomes.”
Van Pelt was appointed by County Executive Dave Somers last month and confirmed by the County Council. She most recently served as deputy director of the Pima County Health Department in Arizona. Pima County has a population of about 1 million people. Her first day was Monday.
“I’ve always wanted to make a difference in the world,” Van Pelt said in a short video to introduce herself to staff and the community. “When I was a young kid, my mom dragged me around volunteering everywhere. I always felt like I was on a mission to make things better.”
Public health fascinates her because it’s so broad, she said, and involves working on systems, policies and environmental issues. The opioid crisis and rise of vaccine-preventable diseases are two of the most pressing public health issues, she noted, while securing and maintaining funding for the health department is a key institutional priority.
“Washington State as well as the Snohomish County health department have great reputations,” Van Pelt said. “I’m looking forward to learning a lot about the work that’s being done here and also really looking forward to sharing some of the work I did in Pima County.”
During her first week, she’s already traveled to Yakima to meet State Secretary of Health Dennis Worsham (former Snohomish County Health Department Director) and other health leaders attending the annual meeting of the Washington State Public Health Association.
Over the next three months, Van Pelt plans to meet with staff, external partners, and community collaborators to establish priorities and understand the opportunities that exist “to do better work.” She plans to share those findings with the community.
For more information, contact shd.pio@co.snohomish.wa.us