New Top Leaders Named At Ohio Department Of Health

COLUMBUS, OH — Stephanie McCloud has been named director of the Ohio Department of Health. She will be flanked by the newly appointed Dr. Bruce Vanderhoff, who has been named the Chief Medical Officer at the Ohio Department of Health.

Vanderhoff is currently a senior vice president and chief medical officer for OhioHealth. Gov. Mike DeWine said he is both a talented physician and administrator.

According to his biographical page on OhioHealth, Vanderhoff is a member of the Governor's Advisory Council on Health Care Payment Innovation, so he has experience working within the state government.

DeWine said he needed a medical expert he could rely on following the departure of Dr. Amy Acton from the Ohio Department of Health over the summer.

McCloud was the leader of the Ohio Bureau of Workers Compensation. DeWine described her work as the bureau's lead administrator as "phenomenal."

"She has the experience necessary to lead the Ohio Department of Health as it carries out its important health functions while also battling the pandemic," DeWine said Thursday.

After rising to statewide fame as the leader of the Ohio Department of Health during the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic, Acton resigned her post in mid-June. She was the frequent target of protesters and Republican lawmakers, who accused her of overstepping her power and office.

An Ohio lawmaker's wife compared Acton's health orders to Nazi Germany. Protesters also camped outside Acton's home and displayed anti-Semitic signs addressing her during protests.