Health Officer Lisa Peacock announced her departure from the Health Department of Northwest Michigan (HDNW), in the wake of intense criticism over school mask mandates and citing a “hostile work environment” created by some board members.

Bridge Michigan reports that tensions lingered at the March 1 meeting of the multi-county board of health — comprised of two county commissioners each from Antrim, Charlevoix, Emmet, and Otsego counties — which accepted Peacock’s resignation effective April 29. 

Peacock’s resignation leaves a vacancy for the same role within the Benzie-Leelanau District Health Department (BLDHD).

At their meeting last week, HDNW’s board of health discussed the transition plan for future leadership of the health department. They appointed Dan Thorell, Deputy Health Officer with the Health Department of Northwest Michigan, as interim health officer effective April 30, contingent on review and approval by the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS). Dianne Litzenburger, public information officer with HDNW shared that the temporary appointment will allow time for the Board of Health to search for a permanent health officer while providing support for the staff and programs.

HDNW is mandated by the Michigan Public Health Code to promote wellness, prevent disease, provide quality healthcare, address health problems of vulnerable populations, and protect the environment for the residents and visitors of Antrim, Charlevoix, Emmet, and Otsego counties. Per the contract the health department has with the BLDHD, Thorell will serve as interim health officer for Benzie and Leelanau as well, spending 30 percent of his time serving those counties.

In his interim role he says, “I’m looking forward to working with the Boards of Health and staff of both health departments [Health Department of Northwest Michigan and the Benzie-Leelanau District Health Department] to continue to serve the community in a positive way.”

Thorell’s background is in environmental health services as well as public health leadership and he is currently serving as one of two deputy health officers for the Health Department of Northwest Michigan. (He and registered nurse and HDNW Nursing Supervisor Holly Campbell were named co-deputy health officers on February 4 of this year.)

Dan Thorell, in addition to his deputy health officer role, serves as the director of environmental health with the HDNW, a position he has held since 2021 and is currently in the recruiting process to find a replacement.

Dr. Joshua Meyerson continues to serve as the medical director for both health departments, as well as District Health Department #4.

Pictured: Dan Thorell and Lisa Peacock.