The Tompkins County Legislature unanimously approved the appointment of Trumansburg native Jennie Sutcliffe as the new county commissioner of Whole Health on June 17.
Her appointment goes into effect on July 7, with a six-year term, pending final approval from the New York State Department of Health.
Sutcliffe brings over a decade of experience in public health leadership, emergency preparedness, and health policy, having served as senior advisor in the Office of Emergency Preparedness and Response at the NYC Health Department, according to a statement announcing her appointment.
There, she led initiatives during multiple public health emergencies, including the Mpox response and COVID-19 vaccine operations. Her career also includes positions in Chicago, Illinois, and international experience as a Fulbright Research Scholar in Italy.
‘It’s an honor and privilege’
Sutcliffe expressed her excitement about leading Tompkins County Whole Health in a June 18 statement from the legislature.
“It is an honor and privilege to be offered the chance to lead such a talented and dedicated department,” Sutcliffe stated. “I grew up in Tompkins County and have spent my career in government and health, so stepping into this role is immensely exciting for me. “Tompkins County is such a vibrant community. I’m looking forward to leading collaboratively with everyone at Whole Health to meet the mental and public health needs of our community.”
Legislators and board members praised her qualifications and leadership skills, anticipating a positive impact on the community’s health services.
“The Board of Health is very pleased to welcome Ms. Sutcliffe to the Tompkins County community,” Tompkins County Board of Health President Dr. Christina Moylan stated. “We are looking forward to her leadership of Whole Health, as we continue to advance an equitable, holistic approach to public health and mental health as an integrated organization.”
What does Tompkins’ Whole Health commissioner do?
Tompkins County’s Public Health Department and Mental Health Services Department became Tompkins County Whole Health in 2023, following a planning process which began in 2019, according to the county legislature.
The Whole Health Commissioner is charged with administrating and leading public health services, including mental health services. They are responsible for advancing the Department’s mission to build Tompkins County into a healthy community by addressing the root causes of wellness disparities and integrating mental, physical and environmental health.
Replacing former Tompkins County health leader Frank Kruppa
Fiscal Administrator of Tompkins County Whole Health Jeremy Porter currently serves as the group’s interim commissioner.
Previous full-time Whole Health commissioner Frank Kruppa announced his February retirement in January after 14 years in the role and transitioned to Cayuga Health as the assistant vice president of community program development and partner integration in March.
News of the decision came within days after Cayuga Health and the Elmira-based Arnot Health announced that the two systems were merging to form what is now Centralus Health.
Kruppa was instrumental in the integration of public health and mental health services, leading Tompkins County through significant health challenges, including the COVID-19 pandemic.
This article originally appeared on Ithaca Journal: Trumansburg native Jennie Sutcliffe appointed Tompkins County Whole Health Commissioner
Reporting by Jacob Mack, Ithaca Journal / Ithaca Journal
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