The City of Berkeley’s health officer, Dr. Lisa Hernandez, is poised to take leadership of Santa Cruz County’s Health Services Agency if her appointment is approved by the county Board of Supervisors next week.
Hernandez, who has 25 years of experience as a medical doctor and public health official, would start work on July 5 if things go her way at the June 27 hearing.
She has held public health leadership positions in Santa Clara and Monterey counties, as well as a previous stint as Santa Cruz County’s health officer/medical service director from 2013 to 2016, according to her LinkedIn profile.
In addition to her public health roles, Hernandez completed a medical residency in obstetrics and gynecology and another in preventive medicine.
“I have great affection for Santa Cruz County and its residents,” Hernandez said. “I look forward to working with the community to improve the health and wellness of all county residents.”
Hernandez earned a bachelor’s degree in psychology from Yale University, a doctorate degree in medicine from Georgetown University and a master’s degree in public health from the University of California, Berkeley.
“In addition to her other qualifications, she is also both bicultural and bilingual and is an ideal Health Officer for the County of Santa Cruz,” Health Services Agency Director Monica Morales said.
If confirmed, Hernandez would replace Dr. Gail Newel, who is retiring in July.
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