The Contra Costa Board of Supervisors today appointed Dr. Ori Tzvieli as the county’s new Health Officer.
Dr. Tzvieli has helped to lead the county’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic for the past two years as a deputy health officer.
He fills a vacancy left by Dr. Chris Farnitano, who has stepped down from the role in preparation for retirement after more than 30 years caring for Contra Costa County residents.
“Dr. Farnitano will be missed. We are glad Dr. Tzvieli is ready to step into a role that is so crucial for the health and safety of our county residents during the pandemic,” said Board of Supervisors Chair Karen Mitchoff. “Over the past two years, both of them have contributed to one of the finest local responses to the COVID-19 pandemic in California.”
Each county in California appoints a health officer who has broad authority under state Health & Safety Code and are responsible for protecting the health of residents within their jurisdictions.
“Dr. Tzvieli has helped to lead our county’s emergency response since the beginning. We are fortunate to have someone with his experience and community knowledge ready to step up,” Contra Costa Health Director Anna Roth said. “I am very confident that he will help to continue our strong efforts to combat the spread of COVID-19 in Contra Costa County.”
Dr. Tzvieli joined Contra Costa Health (CCH) as a family medicine resident at Contra Costa Regional Medical Center (CCRMC) in 2000, launching a career in the county’s healthcare delivery system that has led to several leadership roles, including Medical Staff President, Ambulatory Care Medical Director, Public Health Medical Director and now Director of Public Health, serving under Director Roth.
During his time with CCH, Dr. Tzvieli has championed collaborative efforts to address opioid addiction and cared for some of the county’s most vulnerable residents as medical director of the Health Care for the Homeless program.
Dr. Farnitano will formally retire in March after a celebrated career at CCH. He became Contra Costa County Health Officer in July 2018, after previously serving as Ambulatory Care Medical Director at CCRMC and Family Medicine Department Chair, among other roles.
Editors Note: Farnitano joins several other health officers who have either retired or resigned during the pandemic:
- California Public Health Director: Dr. Sonia Angell resigned in April 2020.
- Butte County – Public health officer Dr. Andy Miller announced his resignation effective July 10 according to a County press release
- Humbolt County: Dr. Teresa Frankovich resigned only 8 months after taking the job. She resigned in September of 2020.
- Nevada County – Dr. Ken Cutler, announced retirement in July noting he had been planning to retire prior to the pandemic.
- Orange County – Public health director David Souleles announced his retirement effective May 1, 2020.
- San Benito County – announced on April 28 that that interim Public Health Officer Dr. Marty Fenstersheib resigned from office.
- Shasta County: Public Health Director Brandy Isola resigned in May 29, 2020.
- Yolo County – Dr. Ron Chapman announced his retirement as of June 20, 2020 according to a County Press Release