(Salt Lake City) – The Utah Department of Health (UDOH) today announced the appointment of Dr. Michelle Hofmann as one of the agency’s two deputy directors.
Dr. Hofmann joined the UDOH last August as the manager of the Healthcare Associated Infections and Antimicrobial Resistance Program and has directed the state’s COVID-19 response in long-term care facilities. She leads a dedicated team of infection preventionists, epidemiologists, and health educators ensuring the safety of residents and staff in these facilities.
“These last few months spent managing the Healthcare Associated Infection Program have been among the most rewarding of my career,” said Dr. Hofmann. “The UDOH response to COVID-19 is inspiring and I look forward to working alongside the many Department leaders steering such a dedicated group of public health professionals.”
Dr. Hofmann brings 17 years of experience as a pediatrician and physician leader at University of Utah Health and Intermountain Healthcare focusing on vulnerable populations and value-based healthcare delivery while serving in myriad operational, quality, and population health management roles.
“The UDOH is fortunate to have such a highly talented, respected, and passionate physician joining our leadership team,” said Rich Saunders, executive director of the UDOH. “Dr. Hofmann’s skill set complements the agency’s strong leadership team and will help take the Department to even greater heights. I am grateful to Dr. Hofmann for accepting this role, especially under the current circumstances with COVID-19 adding to the complexity of the position.”
Dr. Hofmann’s appointment rounds out an executive leadership team that, in addition to Saunders, also includes deputy director Heather Borski who was appointed to her role last year and brings more than 25 years public health experience working at the UDOH.
Dr. Hofmann replaces former deputy director Dr. Joseph Miner who retired from the Department at the beginning of this year after more than 35 years of public health service at the UDOH and the Utah County Health Department.
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