Pima County Hires New Health Director

PIMA COUNTY, AZ—Pima County will soon have a new health director. Dr. Theresa Cullen will take on the new role beginning June 1, according to Administrator Chuck Huckelberry.

According to the county, Cullen has had a long career as a public health physician, including retiring as a public health service officer from the federal government with the ranks of rear admiral and assistant U.S. surgeon general.

“This is huge for Pima County. I am thrilled to have Dr. Cullen join our team,” said Pima County Chief Medical Officer and Deputy County Administrator Dr. Francisco Garcia. “Dr. Cullen is a respected and eminent public health physician who also is an exceptional administrator. She knows Pima County and Southern Arizona well and will build upon the strategies and programs we’ve established over the past decade to improve the health and well-being of everyone in Pima County.”

Cullen will replace Dr. Bob England, who began serving as interim health director last June as Pima County searched for a permanent health director after the previous director left for another job.

England will remain as full-time interim director until June 1, county officials said. After that, he will stay on as a part-time physician to see the county through the initial phase of the current health pandemic.

Cullen will work part-time for the county starting May 4, serving as vice chair of the County’s Back to Business Task Force, which will help determine the criteria, rules, and guidance for reopening the economy as the effects of the pandemic lessen.