MOCO Health Officer Travis Gayles Resigning, Effective Sept. 12

MONTGOMERY COUNTY, MD — Health Officer Travis Gayles, who has led Montgomery County's health efforts during the COVID-19 pandemic, has announced he will step down from his post on Sept. 12.

Gayles has been the county's health officer since 2017.

"Throughout this pandemic, Dr. Gayles has been a voice of reassurance and reason that our residents have counted on during the worst public health event in modern American history," said County Executive Marc Elrich in a statement Wednesday. "I have relied on him because I trusted his decisions would be guided by science, not politics. His calm demeanor and sound leadership have been invaluable and helped Montgomery County become one of the most vaccinated jurisdictions in the nation. Our community has benefitted from his advice and knowledge, and he will truly be missed."

Gayles has played an important role over the past year and half, advising the county on its COVID-19 policies and measures. Nearly 65 percent of Montgomery County residents are fully vaccinated against the virus, compared to the 50.9 percent of the country as a whole.

“I have enjoyed the opportunity to serve the residents of Montgomery County for the past 4 years, including through the past 18 months related to Covid-19,” Gayles wrote his resignation email, according to The Washington Post. “Thank you for creating a space for science to be heard and embraced, and for advocating for equitable access to improved health outcomes for all of our residents.”

Gayles was criticized last summer for his order to keep private schools from delivering in-person instruction. He later rescinded the order.

Gayles grew up in Chase City, Va., before attending the University of Illinois for his MD and Ph.D.

Patch intern Abigail Russ contributed reporting to this story.