Stamford Appoints Permanent Health Director

STAMFORD, CT — Jody Bishop Pullan, formerly the acting director of health within the Stamford Health Department, has been promoted to the position permanently.

Since former Mayor David Martin appointed her as acting health director following Dr. Jennifer Calder's departure last July, Bishop-Pullan has worked on the city’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Under her leadership, the city has attained an 80 percent vaccination rate of all eligible residents in all census tracts of Stamford.

"I am honored that Mayor [Caroline] Simmons chose me to lead the Stamford Department of Health. I am pleased with the progress that has been made to improve the health of the community during the pandemic and believe we are well positioned to do more. I look forward to the Department leading the way in health promotion and disease prevention and implementing programming to increase health literacy and reduce health disparities," Bishop-Pullan said in a news release.

"Specifically, our team of skilled and knowledgeable public health professionals will work collaboratively with the Mayor’s office, Stamford Hospital and school and community partners to address mental health and wellness, reduce the burden of chronic disease, reduce environmental threats to health and control infectious disease. Together we can keep Stamford safe and healthy," she added.

Simmons called Bishop-Pullan "a true leader" who excelled in helping the city through the pandemic over the past year.

"Her expertise, commitment to health and Stamford will continue to be of immediate benefit to all residents," Simmons said.

Previously, Bishop-Pullan had served the city as a public health dental case manager, where she was responsible for managing a comprehensive oral health program for 27 public, private and parochial schools, 21 nursey schools and 18 school dental clinics.

Director of Public Safety Ted Jankowski said in a news release Bishop-Pullan is a strong advocate for public health, "who possesses the unique knowledge and experience regarding Stamford and has successfully helped guide us through the pandemic."

"Jody is a progressive leader with excellent qualifications who is dedicated to the health of the community and carrying out the mission of public health in providing for the 10 essential public health services for Stamford," Jankowski said. "She will bring about positive change with new ideas and innovation. With the support of the staff in Stamford Health Department, I am confident she will be an excellent director of health and an asset to the city of Stamford for years to come."

Bishop-Pullan graduated Magna Cum from the University of Bridgeport with a bachelor's degree in dental hygiene. She then received her Master of Public Health from Southern Connecticut State University, where additionally she received the Kaye Keiser Valedictory Award.